Symrise Named Finalist for the Supply Chain Management Award

HOLZMINDEN, GermanySymrise announced it was named one of the four finalists for the 2013 Supply Chain Management Award.

The company received recognition for its sustainable vanilla sourcing in two preliminary rounds, from the vanilla bean to customers' end products, the company demonstrated transparency and created added value for all stakeholders along the vanilla value creation chain.

The Supply Chain Management Award honors intelligent and innovative solutions that enhance a company's competitive position and take on a pioneering role in the industry. This year, the Supply Chain Management Award is part of the recently launched "EXCHANGE - The Supply Chainers' Convention" international specialist convention that included 180 attendees from industry, science and specialists media at the HOLM forum at Frankfurt Airport where the winners and finalists were honored. The jury placed Symrise among the final four finalist in the competition from more than 20 candidates. The company's sustainability approach along with its innovative solution for tracking products from source to customer set it apart.

The company concentrated on its approach to the vanilla supply chain. It has been involved in supporting vanilla cultivation in Madagascar for years, working directly with the farmers from the East African island nation. Along with several social projects covering the areas of education, nutrition and health, the company also supported farmers to meet internationally recognized certification standards in cultivating and processing the beans. This cooperation between the farmers and Symrise enables both to optimize cultivation, establish best harvest times and achieve the highest vanillin content after fermentation resulting in premium quality for customers in the beverage, food, cosmetics and fragrance industries.

Symrise ensures a short supply chain in addition to traceability and transparency, but also displays innovation with e-business solutions that connects them closely to its customers. "The vanilla supply chain is just one example of how we are innovatively linking sustainability and efficient business processes," said Stephan Sielaff, senior vice president global operations flavor & nutrition at Symrise. The company also recently released its fiscal 2013 first-quarter financial results that revealed impressive growth and increased earnings.