Symrise AG has reported a stronger second quarter of 2026, with accelerating organic sales growth, resilient profitability and continued progress on its ONE SYM transformation strategy.
The global supplier of flavors, fragrances and cosmetic ingredients said growth momentum improved despite a challenging macroeconomic environment.
The company recorded €2.54 billion in sales for the first half of 2026, achieving 2.0% organic sales growth, with momentum accelerating sharply in the second quarter to 4.5%.
Adjusted EBITDA reached €553 million, delivering a margin of 21.8%, while adjusted Business Free Cash Flow climbed to €347 million, representing a margin improvement of 450 basis points to 13.7% of sales.
Growth was driven by strong performance in Food & Beverage, Consumer Fragrance and Aroma Molecules, supported by improving business conditions in North America and Asia Pacific.
Symrise also advanced its portfolio strategy with a planned acquisition of Floral Concept, a premium naturals company based in Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne, Pays de Grasse, France. The deal is expected to strengthen Symrise’s position in premium naturals and expand its capabilities in Fine Fragrance.
Jean Yves Parisot, CEO of Symrise AG, said: “We saw increasing momentum in the second quarter, driven by disciplined execution across our businesses and strong demand in Food & Beverage, Consumer Fragrance and Aroma Molecules. We also will strengthen our portfolio through the planned acquisition of Floral Concept.
"We will leverage our proven Naturals capabilities, built through the acquisition of Diana and successfully established in Food & Beverage, to further expand our offering in Fine Fragrance and create differentiated solutions for our customers. At the same time, we continued to accelerate the next phase of our ONE SYM Transformation to further enhance commercial excellence, innovation and digitalization to support faster profitable growth.
"Based on our first half performance and current momentum, we remain confident in delivering our 2026 outlook and creating durable long-term value.”
Symrise’s Taste, Nutrition & Health segment delivered a strong second quarter, with organic sales growth of 4.9% and reported sales rising to €782 million.
The Food & Beverage division posted market-leading mid-single-digit organic growth, driven by strong demand for Savory, Naturals and Sweet solutions. The Pet Food division saw a slight organic decline amid continued price normalization in nutrition.
For the first half of 2026, Taste, Nutrition & Health generated €1.53 billion in sales and increased adjusted EBITDA to €375 million, improving its adjusted EBITDA margin to 24.5%.
The Scent & Care segment achieved 3.8% organic sales growth in Q2 2026, with sales increasing to €509 million.
The Fragrance division delivered mid-single-digit organic growth, led by strong performance in Consumer Fragrance, which achieved high-single-digit growth. Fine Fragrance declined at a mid-single-digit rate due to high prior-year comparisons, despite continued strong demand and project activity.
The Aroma Molecules division recorded high-single-digit growth, supported by Specialty Fragrance Ingredients and Menthol.
For the first half of the year, Scent & Care reported stable organic sales of €1.01 billion and adjusted EBITDA of €178 million, with profitability impacted by portfolio changes, product mix effects and higher freight and logistics costs linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Symrise said it is stepping up its ONE SYM Transformation program, focusing on commercial excellence, innovation, operational improvements and supply chain efficiency.
The company is creating a more scalable operating model through standardized processes, clearer ownership structures and increased digitalization. Savings generated through the transformation will be reinvested into future growth opportunities while supporting margin targets.
Symrise reaffirmed its full-year 2026 guidance, expecting organic sales growth of 2% to 4%, adjusted EBITDA margin of 21.5% to 22.5%, adjusted Business Free Cash Flow margin above 14%.
The company said confidence in the outlook is supported by stronger customer demand, a robust pipeline of new solutions and continued resilience across its core markets.
