Syensqo showcases science-driven natural solutions at Fi Europe 2025

At Fi Europe 2025, Syensqo reinforced its position as a science-led innovator in natural preservation, flavor solutions, and pet nutrition. With a steady stream of visitors from across Europe and beyond, the company’s booth became a hub for discussions around clean-label antioxidants, vanillin supply security, and the fast-evolving pet food segment.

Strong visitor engagement across categories

Reflecting on the event, Maud Joassard, Aroma Global Marketing & Sustainable Development Manager, highlighted the exceptional response from the industry.

“The response was overwhelmingly positive. We had strong engagement from a diverse group of visitors, including manufacturers, R&D professionals, and brand owners. Many attendees were eager to learn about our latest innovations in natural preservation and flavor solutions.”

The broad spectrum of visitors underlined the relevance of Syensqo’s portfolio across food, beverage, and pet nutrition applications.

Riza® Rosemary Extract and Vanillin solutions take center stage

One of the most talked-about ingredients at the booth was the Riza® rosemary extract range, Syensqo’s natural antioxidant solution. Cem Dik, Sales Development Manager for Natural Ingredients, noted, “Our Riza rosemary extract range drew significant attention, especially for its clean-label antioxidant capabilities.”

He added that visitors were particularly impressed with its technical performance, “Feedback was very positive. Visitors valued Riza’s robust performance, heat stability, and sensory neutrality. Many appreciated its flexibility in dosage and the ability to support clean-label claims across a wide range of food and pet food applications.”

Alongside antioxidants, Syensqo’s vanillin portfolio generated substantial buzz. According to Maud Joassard, “There was also strong interest in our vanillin solutions, particularly in the context of supply security and versatility across applications. The reopening of our synthetic vanillin unit in France at the end of 2025 was a hot topic for European and global customers.”

She also emphasized the growing appeal of natural alternatives, “Driven by the naturality trend, Rhovanil® Natural, Syensqo’s natural vanillin range obtained through fermentation of a natural organic product found in rice bran oil, was also discussed widely with the various food and beverage players.”

Expanding into Pet Food Nutrition

A significant milestone for Syensqo at Fi Europe 2025 was its strengthened presence in pet food nutrition, including solutions such as Rhovea® Feed, its dedicated vanillin grade for pets.

Maud Joassard explained the industry’s reaction: “The industry welcomed our entry, recognizing the value of our science-driven, natural solutions for pet nutrition. Many visitors appreciated our focus on clean-label, effective ingredients that meet the rising expectations of pet owners.”

She also highlighted the “humanization” trend influencing pet food formulation: “As for our dedicated vanillin grade, we also received multiple requests around this product, highlighting the ongoing ‘humanization’ of the pet food trends.”

Displayed in the Pet Food Innovation Zone, Rhovea® Feed attracted strong interest, “Industry professionals highlighted the importance of palatability in pet food, particularly in dry dog food. They also valued Rhovea® Feed’s ability to help mask off-notes, especially in plant-based formulations, as well as the flavor stability and batch-to-batch consistency it can deliver.”

Rising demand for clean-label preservation

The clean-label movement remained a dominant theme throughout the exhibition.

Cem Dik confirmed, “Absolutely. There is clear and growing demand for natural, label-friendly preservation, especially in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific, where consumer awareness and regulatory standards are evolving rapidly. Customers are seeking solutions that are both effective and transparent.”

During Syensqo’s technical session on extending shelf life with rosemary extracts, attendees showed strong interest in the science behind natural preservation.

“Attendees were particularly interested in the science behind rosemary’s antioxidant power, its heat stability, and its broad applicability. The session reinforced the importance of natural solutions for both product quality and consumer trust,” Dik added.

Live demos highlight reformulation capabilities

Syensqo’s live tasting demos proved to be a major attraction, offering practical demonstrations of ingredient performance.

Cem Dik commented, “The live tasting demos were a highlight, allowing visitors to experience firsthand the freshness and quality our ingredients deliver. Many commented on the clean taste and extended shelf life in both food and pet food samples.”

For the vanillin and ethylvanillin portfolio, the demos addressed key reformulation challenges.

Maud Joassard noted, “Customers valued the impactful demo kits, especially on the off-notes masking benefits and the ability to enhance mouthfeel and/or sweetness in sugar reduced recipes, as key reformulation challenges the industry faces daily nowadays.”

Strengthening Vanillin supply with French production

A pivotal announcement at Fi Europe 2025 was the restart of Syensqo’s synthetic vanillin production unit in France.

Maud Joassard explained the strategic significance, “European but also global customers received the announcement positively, as it reinforces access to a reliable and consistent supply of vanillin, a key ingredient across many food and beverage categories.”

She elaborated on the broader context, “Syensqo restarted synthetic vanillin production at the end of 2025 to respond to market demand and to support European customers with regional inventories, proximity, and greater supply chain responsiveness. Producing in France offers tangible added value in securing supply for European beverage manufacturers, particularly in the current geopolitical context and with the anti-dumping duties implemented by the European Commission on vanillin imported into Europe.”

With production sites in France, the USA, and China, Syensqo now offers a uniquely balanced global footprint, enabling local supply and competitive reliability.

Key Industry Trends: Multifunctionality and Versatility

Across conversations with formulators, several recurring themes emerged.

Cem Dik observed, “Formulators consistently raised the need for multifunctional, natural ingredients that can deliver on both preservation and sensory quality. There was also a strong focus on regulatory compliance and adapting to evolving consumer preferences.”

From a flavor perspective, Maud Joassard added, “On the vanillin/ethylvanillin ingredient side, the performance and versatility of benefits and applications where the Syensqo range can be used were highlighted in many discussions.”

Shaping R&D priorities for 2026

Insights gathered at Fi Europe 2025 will directly influence Syensqo’s innovation roadmap.

“The insights gathered will guide us to keep investigating in natural, multifunctional solutions, especially those tailored for plant-based, pet food, and emerging markets,” said Joassard. “We will also prioritize innovations that address both sustainability and performance.”

Following a successful participation, Syensqo plans to accelerate growth across key segments.

Maud Joassard concluded, “We plan to deepen collaborations with customers all over the world thanks to our regional presence. We intend to accelerate the development of new natural ingredients, and expand our presence in the pet nutrition and plant-based sectors. Our focus remains on delivering science-driven, market-relevant solutions that help our partners succeed.”

With strong momentum from Fi Europe 2025, Syensqo is poised to further strengthen its leadership in natural antioxidants, vanillin solutions, and pet nutrition—aligning science, sustainability, and supply security to meet the evolving demands of the global food industry.