German food ingredients manufacturer Symrise has made an equity investment in US biotechnology firm Cellibre, which focuses on sustainable biomanufacturing.
According to Symrise, the collaboration aims to accelerate the development of fermentation-derived ingredients for use in flavour and cosmetic applications.
The partnership will focus on the joint development of next-generation manufacturing technologies for key global ingredients.
It will also support the expansion of Symrise’s product portfolio in taste balancing and clean beauty, in response to rising consumer interest in natural and environmentally responsible products.
Through the investment, Symrise will obtain preferred access to Cellibre’s precision fermentation platform.
Commenting on collaboration, Symrise project lead for biotechnology Imke Meyer said: “This investment accelerates our biotechnology roadmap and strengthens our ability to deliver sustainable, high-quality solutions to our customers.
“Together with Cellibre, we will combine scientific expertise with application know-how and market reach to unlock new growth opportunities.”
The technology enables scalable production of high-value ingredients for the food, beverage, cosmetics, and nutraceutical industries, helping reduce supply chain vulnerabilities linked to seasonal or agricultural factors.
Cellibre develops microorganisms to produce natural compounds and chemicals used in pharmaceuticals, personal care, functional health, and industrial applications.
Symrise said the move supports its strategy to integrate biotechnology into its operations, reinforcing long-term resilience, diversification, and sustainability across its business.
Cellibre CEO Ben Chiarelli said: “Since 2017, we have been led by the belief that biology is the future of manufacturing and we are committed to creating more resilient supply chains, delivering products that are lower cost and higher quality while limiting the impact on natural ecosystems.
“This partnership represents another external validation of our approach, technology, and team, and will leverage the Symrise team’s global market access and deep expertise in flavours, fragrances and cosmetics — creating powerful synergies for both companies.”
In June this year, Symrise upgraded its Pasaje facility in southern Ecuador, which specialises in producing banana and tropical dry ingredients.
Situated in a key banana-growing area, the Pasaje site transforms bananas and other tropical fruits into flakes and powders.
