The new facility will enable IFF scientists and experts, including perfumers and flavorists, along with LMR’s botanists and agronomists, to study and analyse nearly 1,000 species of flora IFF a…

The new facility will enable IFF scientists and experts, including perfumers and flavorists, along with LMR’s botanists and agronomists, to study and analyse nearly 1,000 species of flora

IFF a global leader in flavours, fragrances, food ingredients, health and biosciences — and Reservas Votorantim (rV), the green economy division of Brazilian investment firm, Votorantim SA, have signed a landmark partnership for research and bioprospecting in Legado das Águas, Brazil’s largest private Atlantic Forest reserve, owned by Reservas Votorantim.  The agreement grants IFF and its subsidiary, LMR Naturals (LMR), exclusive access to the native flora of Legado das Águas, intending to develop new and unique extracts for the perfumery and cosmetics industries.  As part of the deal, IFF will build a new research lab within rV’s existing site located in the heart of the 31,000-hectare reserve.  The new facility will enable IFF scientists and experts, including perfumers and flavorists, along with LMR’s botanists and agronomists, to study and analyse nearly 1,000 species of flora.

“Our partnership with Reservas Votorantim enables IFF to sustainably source fresh and inspiring ingredients from one of the planet’s most ecologically unique biomes, helping to further appreciation for Brazil’s Atlantic Forest,” said Charbel Bouez, senior vice president of R&D for IFF Scent. “The combination of rV’s strong community roots and LMR’s deep expertise in natural ingredients is uniquely positioned to deliver exciting innovations in fragrance and cosmetic ingredients.”

The partnership also places rV at the forefront of sustainable innovation in Brazil. By applying its deep expertise in land stewardship and crop science within the Atlantic Forest, rV plays a strategic role in enabling IFF’s development of nature-based solutions. This collaboration reinforces the position of the Legado das Águas reserve as a global model for biodiversity-driven innovation, demonstrating how conservation can unlock new business opportunities.  Furthermore, as a global pioneer in fragrance, flavours and bioscience innovation, IFF is deeply invested in the Brazilian market, where demand for renewable ingredients is accelerating. The partnership supports the expansion of green economy initiatives and reinforces Brazil’s position as a hub for sustainable sourcing and ecological entrepreneurship.