A casual survey of the F&F industry in mid-2009 revealed mild strength in fl avors, and weakness in fragrances and ingredients. At the time, the first stirrings of recovery talk had begun, though predictions were tenuous. Refl ecting back one year later, the industry faces a truly different set of circumstances. Restocking activities in the fi rst half of 2010 have made it diffi cult for some companies to keep up with supply demands; and no one can predict how long the uptick will last. Meanwhile, the top 10 companies in the industry have further grown market share, from 70.7% in 2008 to ~72.4% in 2009. Simultaneously, the overall market value declined slightly year-over-year to $20 billion. An assessment of individual market share shows that half of the top 10 companies gained percentage in 2009. These and other insights are refl ected in Perfumer & Flavorist magazine’s 2010 Flavor & Fragrance Leaderboard, a ranking—by 2009 sales—of the top 10 F&F companies, with select exclusive insights from key executives regarding their organizations’ strategic initiatives and challenges, and thoughts on where the industry is heading. The picture that emerges is one of cautious optimism, gradual recovery and emerging opportunities for growth.
Simultaneously, the overall market value declined slightly year-over-year to $20 billion. An assessment of individual market share shows that half of the top 10 companies gained percentage in 2009. These and other insights are refl ected in Perfumer & Flavorist magazine’s 2010 Flavor & Fragrance Leaderboard, a ranking—by 2009 sales—of the top 10 F&F companies, with select exclusive insights from key executives regarding their organizations’ strategic initiatives and challenges, and thoughts on where the industry is heading. The picture that emerges is one of cautious optimism, gradual recovery and emerging opportunities for growth.