BASF acquires aroma biotech innovation leader Isobionics

BASF has acquired Isobionics, biotech-based aroma ingredients company, and has entered a cooperation agreement with Conagen, a research leader in the field of biotechnology. With this acquisition and cooperation agreement, BASF has entered the market for natural flavor and fragrance (F&F) ingredients.

Being known as a supplier of synthetic aroma ingredients, BASF now broadens its portfolio with natural ingredients such as vanillin, nootkatone, and valencene. BASF intends to advance the technology for biotech-based aroma ingredients by combining its own R&D and broad-market access with the know-how and expertise of Isobionics and Conagen.

Isobionics develops and produces a range of natural ingredients for the F&F market with a focus on citrus oil components such as nootkatone and valencene. The company, with all its employees, will become part of BASF’s Aroma Ingredients business.

Through its partnership with Conagen, BASF will be able to serve the market with natural vanillin, one of the aroma ingredients with the highest market demand. Conagen has strong R&D and commercialization capabilities for fermented ingredients.

“Reflecting the potential of changing consumer habits and the scarcity of natural ingredients, the strengthening of our biotechnology footprint is at the heart of BASF’s strategy,” said Melanie Maas-Brunner, who leads BASF’s Nutrition & Health division.

Press release