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Event Recap: Firmenich Naturals Together!

firmenich entrance

As the elevator doors opened to the Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse at Lincoln Center, we were warmly welcomed by smiling faces offering nature-inspired cocktails (Citrus & Mint Vodka Smash! Madagascar Over Manhattan!) and joined the over 200 industry executives and press already in attendance. The intoxicating scent of Jasmine (3 types – Concrete, Sambac, & Grandiflora!) and Tuberose wafted from dozens of twinkling Maalai candles that lined the reception areas. We had entered the world of Firmenich NaturalsTogether, a summit of producers of the world’s most exquisite flavor and fragrance materials. Established in 2014, NaturalsTogether aims to minimize environmental impact, foster biodiversity, and improve the livelihoods of over 200,000 farming families with responsible sourcing.

firmenich panel copy

The evening’s proceedings commenced with opening remarks from Firmenich CEO Gilbert Ghostine, followed by a moment of silence for Paris. Excerpts from the film Source & Soul were shown, sharing the lives of smallholder farmers of Jasmine and Vanilla.  A thoughtful panel discussion followed, highlighting Firmenich’s goals of ethical and sustainable farming. This initiative serves to improve the lives of the farmers, while obtaining the highest quality of natural ingredients for flavor and fragrance products.

firmenich lime

An experiential cocktail hour followed, with sixteen stations featuring raw materials and their producers from around the world. We had the pleasure of chatting with the suppliers and experiencing Lavender and Clary Sage from Provence, Lime from Brazil, Bourbon Vanilla Absolute from Madagascar, Rose Absolute from Turkey, Patchouli from Indonesia, Cardamom from Guatemala, Jasmine from Egypt, and many others. As a special treat, we were anointed with Vetiver Oil from Haiti!

firmenich vetiver

Hors d’oeuvres featuring the flavors included vanilla-infused lobster in puff pastry, ricotta bruschetta with candied citrus, beef sliders with pepper jelly, shrimp kabobs with lemon sauce, chocolate mints, vanilla sugar cookies, and many other delectable treats. It was a true feast for all of the senses!

firmenich vanilla

Team Karen with Firmenich's Julien Levy
Team Karen with Firmenich’s Julien Levy