Symrise invests in Cellibre to fast-track natural flavours

Symrise has announced an investment in US-based biotechnology firm Cellibre, marking a significant move to accelerate the commercialisation of high-value, natural flavour ingredients through advanced precision fermentation.

The partnership signals a new chapter in ingredient innovation for the food and beverage sector, as manufacturers seek scalable, sustainable alternatives to traditional flavour sourcing.

The investment will support Cellibre’s proprietary fermentation platform, which uses engineered microorganisms to produce complex natural compounds with high purity and consistency. For food and drink manufacturers, this technology offers a pathway to deliver authentic taste experiences while reducing reliance on volatile agricultural supply chains.

Symrise, a global leader in flavour, nutrition, and cosmetic ingredients, sees the collaboration as a strategic fit with its broader innovation agenda. By tapping into Cellibre’s biotech capabilities, Symrise aims to expand its portfolio of taste-balancing solutions and natural flavour modulators — key tools for reformulating products with reduced sugar, salt, or fat without compromising sensory appeal.

“Precision fermentation is a game-changer for the flavour industry,” said a Symrise spokesperson. “It allows us to create natural, label-friendly ingredients with greater efficiency and environmental responsibility. Our investment in Cellibre reflects our commitment to driving sustainable innovation and meeting the evolving demands of consumers and our customers.”

Cellibre’s platform is designed to scale rapidly, enabling the production of rare or complex flavour compounds that are difficult to extract or synthesise conventionally. This includes ingredients used in citrus profiles, vanilla alternatives, and umami enhancers — areas where demand is growing but supply remains constrained.

For food and drink manufacturers, the implications are far-reaching. Precision fermentation not only supports clean label and sustainability goals but also opens new doors for flavour innovation in plant-based, functional, and reduced-calorie products. As consumer expectations shift toward naturality and transparency, biotech-enabled ingredients offer a compelling solution.

The investment also aligns with broader industry trends toward bio-based production and ingredient traceability. With regulatory frameworks evolving to support novel fermentation-derived ingredients, manufacturers are increasingly exploring partnerships that combine scientific credibility with commercial viability.

Symrise’s move follows a wave of interest in precision fermentation across the food tech landscape, with start-ups and incumbents alike racing to unlock its potential.