International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. Announced (IFF), a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, health, and biosciences, has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with Reservas Votorantim (rV), the green economy division of the Brazilian investment firm Votorantim SA. The collaboration represents a landmark step in sustainable bioprospecting, with a specific focus on the biodiversity-rich Legado das Águas — Brazil’s largest private Atlantic Forest reserve, spanning more than 31,000 hectares and owned by Reservas Votorantim.
Under the agreement, IFF and its subsidiary, LMR Naturals (LMR), will gain exclusive access to the native flora of Legado das Águas. This initiative is designed to unlock the potential of the forest’s extraordinary biodiversity by developing unique, sustainably sourced extracts for use in perfumery and cosmetics. To advance this mission, IFF has committed to building a state-of-the-art research laboratory within rV’s existing facilities at the reserve.
The new laboratory will bring together a diverse team of scientists, perfumers, flavorists, botanists, and agronomists. Together, they will explore and analyze nearly 1,000 identified species of flora, applying advanced scientific methods and traditional knowledge to transform nature’s diversity into new ingredient innovations.
A Shared Vision for Sustainable Innovation
Charbel Bouez, Senior Vice President of R&D for IFF Scent, emphasized the strategic importance of the collaboration.
“Our partnership with Reservas Votorantim enables IFF to sustainably source fresh and inspiring ingredients from one of the planet’s most ecologically unique biomes, helping to further appreciation for Brazil’s Atlantic Forest,” Bouez said. “The combination of rV’s strong community roots and LMR’s deep expertise in natural ingredients is uniquely positioned to deliver exciting innovations in fragrance and cosmetic ingredients.”
This partnership is not just about ingredient sourcing but also about reinforcing sustainability in business innovation. Reservas Votorantim, known for its expertise in land stewardship and crop science, brings valuable ecological insight to the project. By combining rV’s conservation-driven approach with IFF’s global leadership in scent and bioscience innovation, the initiative aims to demonstrate that biodiversity can be a driver of both ecological preservation and economic opportunity.
Legado das Águas: A Living Laboratory
Legado das Águas is a vital stronghold of the Atlantic Forest, one of the world’s most endangered biomes. Though reduced to a fraction of its original size, the forest remains a treasure trove of genetic diversity, containing countless species found nowhere else on Earth. Over the past 13 years, Reservas Votorantim has made substantial investments in scientific research and conservation, transforming the reserve into a living laboratory for biodiversity and sustainability.
David Canassa, CEO of Reservas Votorantim, highlighted the strategic value of this long-term investment.
“Since Legado das Águas was established 13 years ago, we’ve made consistent investments in scientific research, driven by the belief that deeper knowledge of the forest would unlock new opportunities,” Canassa said. “Bioprospecting offers a range of solutions for society, which is why we began developing it years ago — culminating in what we believe is the largest genetic bank of Atlantic Forest species. It’s a powerful ally in advancing conservation.”
Through this partnership, the reserve’s vast genetic bank will play a central role in helping IFF and LMR identify new botanical resources that can be transformed into sustainable, high-value products for global markets.
Responding to Global Consumer Demand
One of the driving forces behind the initiative is the rising global demand for natural, renewable, and “super” ingredients from Brazil. Consumers are increasingly drawn to products that incorporate biodiversity-linked stories and responsibly sourced materials. For IFF, the partnership represents its first-ever bioprospecting collaboration in Brazil and positions the company at the forefront of this growing trend.
In addition to ingredient discovery, IFF’s activities will include community engagement programs. These initiatives will provide local communities with technical training on conservation best practices and promote the sustainable cultivation of native plants. Such outreach ensures that the benefits of the project extend beyond business, fostering shared value with local stakeholders and promoting Brazil’s broader green economy goals.
LMR Naturals, IFF’s renowned platform for sustainably sourced natural ingredients, will play a critical role in translating biodiversity into commercially viable solutions. With decades of experience in sustainable sourcing and ingredient innovation, LMR will ensure that every step of the process — from field to finished product — adheres to rigorous ecological and ethical standards.
Aligning with IFF’s Sustainability Mission
The collaboration with rV also reflects IFF’s broader mission to “Do More Good” across its global supply chains. The company has made sustainability a cornerstone of its business strategy, committing to practices that go beyond minimizing harm to actively creating positive impacts for people and the planet.
This vision aligns seamlessly with rV’s “Multiple Land Use” approach, which integrates conservation, research, and sustainable economic activities. By leveraging the reserve as a hub for biodiversity-driven innovation, the partnership will serve as a model for how conservation and commerce can coexist in mutually beneficial ways.
A Milestone for Brazil’s Green Economy
Brazil has long been recognized for its rich biodiversity, but initiatives like this partnership highlight how the country can harness its natural wealth responsibly to drive innovation and entrepreneurship. By situating research and product development directly within Legado das Águas, the collaboration brings international attention to the Atlantic Forest and reinforces Brazil’s role as a leader in biodiversity-driven business models.
As demand for renewable ingredients accelerates worldwide, Brazil is well-positioned to emerge as a global hub for sustainable sourcing. The partnership between IFF and rV demonstrates that conserving forests and investing in ecological research can yield not only environmental but also significant economic returns.
About the Partners
IFF (NYSE: IFF) is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, health, and biosciences. The company is renowned for its creativity, scientific expertise, and commitment to sustainability, delivering innovations that elevate everyday products and enhance consumer well-being.
LMR Naturals by IFF is an in-house capability specializing in natural ingredients for perfumery, cosmetics, and flavors. Headquartered in Grasse, France, LMR’s team of agronomists and experts works globally to uncover, harvest, and refine the highest quality natural ingredients, blending nature’s authenticity with cutting-edge science.
Reservas Votorantim (rV) is the green economy division of Votorantim SA, one of Brazil’s most established investment firms. Through initiatives such as Legado das Águas, rV demonstrates how conservation, research, and sustainable business can work hand in hand to preserve natural resources while unlocking new opportunities.
