International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF)

Over the past six months, IFF's stock price has shown an upward trend, closing at $81.05 as of May 8, 2026. Over the last 12 months, the stock price increased by 12.55%, with a year-to-date return of 23.05%. In the past month alone, the stock increased by 18.55%. In the first quarter of 2026, IFF reported sales of $2.74 billion, a 4% decrease from the prior year, but a 3% increase on a comparable currency-neutral basis. Adjusted operating EBITDA reached $568 million, improving 8% year-over-year on a comparable currency-neutral basis. The company returned to profit in Q1 2026, with net income attributable to shareholders at $169 million, or $0.66 per diluted share. IFF reaffirmed its full-year 2026 guidance, expecting sales between $10.5 billion and $10.8 billion and adjusted operating EBITDA between $2.05 billion and $2.15 billion. IFF announced a quarterly dividend of $0.4000 per share payable on July 10, 2026.

Demand for IFF's products and services is influenced by evolving consumer preferences and trends in the food, beverage, health, and personal care sectors. While direct seasonal peaks and troughs are not explicitly detailed, IFF's trend forecasts indicate a continuous, evolving demand. For 2025 and 2026, IFF's insights highlight a demand for comforting yet adventurous flavor profiles, playful nostalgia, and globally inspired fusions. Specific flavors predicted to shape food and beverage innovation in 2026 include Mandarin, Cherry, Sweet Corn, Cola, French Onion Soup, and Limoncello.

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. (IFF) is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, and specialty ingredients, serving industries like food and beverage, health, household goods, personal care, and pharmaceuticals. The company operates within the Basic Materials sector, primarily under the Specialty Chemicals industry. Its business is structured across four main segments: Nourish (Taste and Food Ingredients), Scent, Health & Biosciences, and Pharma Solutions. The Nourish segment focuses on solutions for the food and beverage industry, offering custom flavor solutions and food design ingredients. The Scent segment produces fine and consumer fragrances, and specialty fragrance ingredients. The Health & Biosciences segment focuses on biotechnology and health-related solutions. The Pharma Solutions segment provides specialty excipients and APIs for the pharmaceutical industry; however, the Pharma Solutions division became part of Roquette as of May 1, 2025.

IFF has a significant global presence, operating in nearly 65 countries with facilities in 44 countries. Approximately 70% of its revenue is generated outside North America. In 2024, the United States accounted for about 28% of IFF's total sales. The company has a widespread network across Greater Asia, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Latin America, and North America.

In the past year, IFF has focused on sustainability, innovation in biosciences, and strategic portfolio optimization. The company received the P&G External Business Partner 2025 Awards. IFF's LMR Naturals debuted its latest innovations at SIMPPAR in May 2026. Additionally, IFF launched PureStrong™, a probiotic for canine digestive health in April 2026. The company also secured the first heart health claim for soy protein in Australia and New Zealand.

International Flavors & Fragrances' ownership is predominantly held by institutional investors, who collectively hold approximately 91.96% to over 95% of IFF stock. Major institutional shareholders include Dodge & Cox, Vanguard Group Inc., BlackRock, Inc., Freemont Capital Pte Ltd, and State Street Corp. The largest individual shareholder is Winder Investment Pte Ltd.