IFF, Reservas Votorantim Ink Landmark Partnership

IFF – a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, health and biosciences — and Reservas Votorantim (rV), the green economy division of Brazilian investment firm, Votorantim SA, have signed a landmark partnership for research and bioprospecting in Legado das Águas, Brazil’s largest private Atlantic Forest reserve, owned by Reservas Votorantim.

The agreement provides IFF and its subsidiary, LMR Naturals (LMR), exclusive access to the native flora of Legado das Águas with the aim of developing new and unique extracts for perfumery and cosmetics. As part of the deal, IFF will build a new research lab within rV’s existing site located in the heart of the 31,000-hectare reserve. The new facility will enable IFF scientists and experts — including perfumers and flavorists, along with LMR’s botanists and agronomists — to study and analyze nearly 1,000 species of flora.

“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,” said Charbel Bouez, senior vice president of R&D for IFF Scent. “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.”

Global Model for Biodiversity

The partnership also places rV at the forefront of sustainable innovation in Brazil. By applying its expertise in land stewardship and crop science within the Atlantic Forest, rV plays a strategic role in enabling IFF’s development of nature-based solutions. Officials say the collaboration reinforces the position of the Legado das Águas reserve as a global model for biodiversity-driven innovation, demonstrating how conservation can unlock new business opportunities.

As a global pioneer in fragrance, flavors and bioscience innovation, IFF says it’s invested in the Brazilian market—where demand for renewable ingredients is accelerating. The partnership supports the expansion of green economy initiatives and reinforces Brazil’s position as a hub for sustainable sourcing and ecological entrepreneurship.

“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,” said David Canassa, CEO of Reservas Votorantim. “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 its first bioprospecting partnership in Brazil, IFF aims to tap into growing consumer interest in Brazilian “super” ingredients. IFF’s activities will also include community outreach programs designed to provide technical guidance on best practice conservation methods and promote the cultivation of native plants with the potential to become the next ingredient sensations. Drawing on the deep expertise of LMR Naturals — IFF’s renowned platform for sustainably sourced, high-performance natural ingredients — the initiative will combine scientific rigor with local biodiversity to unlock new possibilities for fragrance and cosmetic innovation.

The newly formed strategic partnership with rV is also a reflection of IFF’s ongoing mission to “Do More Good” across its scent supply chain from seed to bottle, further aligning with rV’s research-led, “Multiple Land Use” approach to sustainable business development.