IFF (New York, NY) has reported fourth quarter 2007 sales of $553 million, a rise of 8% over the same period 2006. Net income totaled $47 million. Gross profit declined slightly, from 2006's 41% to 40.7% due to lower fragrance volumes, higher material costs and lower ingredients prices. R&D expenses rose 12% to 9.7%.
Flavor: Flavor sales for the period leaped by 16 percent based on new wins and increased volumes in Asia, Latin America and Europe. Flavor compound sales rose in all regions.
Fragrance: Fourth quarter fragrance sales rose 2% based on a 4% and 3% jump in ingredient and functional fragrance sales, respectively. Rising production and related compound demands in Asia led to strong ingredient sales results for the period. Meanwhile, fine and beauty care category sales fell, primarily in North America and Europe.
Full-year Results
Sales for full-year 2007 totaled nearly $2.3 billion, a gain of 9%, year-over-year. Results were boosted by a weak US dollar. Net income totaled $247 million, up 9% year-over-year. Gross profit declined slightly, from 2006's 42.2% to 41.8% due to higher material costs and lower ingredients prices. R&D expenses were essentially flat at 8.7%.
Flavor: Full-year flavor sales, up 12% overall, were strong in all regions, particularly Latin America, Asia and Europe. Beverage and savory categories were notably robust.
Fragrance: Fragrance sales, up 6% overall, were strongest in the fine and beauty care categories, which rose by 8%. Ingredient sales rose 9%.