February 5/New York/Press Release -- International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. and Evolva Holding SA have entered into pre-production phase to develop and scale-up, via a third party, natural vanillin for commercial application through a cost-effective, natural and sustainable route. The two companies are working to confirm scalability and yield targets through a yeast-based fermentation route during the pre-manufacturing phase.

This announcement follows one in June 2012 where Evolva confirmed the achievement of the first milestone in this collaboration. The partnership between IFF and Evolva was originally signed and announced in January 2011.

IFF VP of R&D Mark Dewis commented “We are very excited about our collaboration with Evolva, an expert in the biotechnology field, on the development of a key flavoring ingredient that is used in IFF flavors and the potential to deliver a market product with industry significance that is operationally scalable. If the scale-up is successful, this innovative solution should provide a sustainable source for what has been a volatile raw material and should provide IFF customers with unique products.”

Evolva CEO Neil Goldsmith commented, “We have been working with IFF for the last two years and are convinced that they are ideally positioned to deliver on the sales and marketing of our vanillin product. Teaming up with a recognised industry leader such as IFF provides clear validation of the potential of our technology and products. We strongly believe that fermentation as an innovative and sustainable way to produce vanillin is a very attractive alternative to the traditional production routes.”