EANS-News: Symrise AG Starts Fiscal Year with Robust Sales Growth

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quarterly report

Holzminden (euro adhoc) - - Sales rise 4 % to EUR 433 million

- EBITDA margin of 20.1 % despite higher raw material costs

- Sales with global customers up 10 %

- Symrise raises sales forecast for Fiscal Year 2012

Symrise AG has enjoyed a strong start to the 2012 fiscal year. The
Group posted robust sales growth and achieved the targeted EBITDA
margin of 20 % despite higher raw material brightening costs. Over
the course of the quarter, Symrise benefited from improving market
conditions and as a result saw a stronger demand for its products.
Compared to the prior-year quarter sales rose 4 % to EUR 432.6
million (Q1 2011: EUR 416.8 million). This development was driven in
large part by the disproportionate growth seen in business with
global customers. North and Latin America also provided notable
growth impetus.

Dr. Heinz-Jürgen Bertram, Chief Executive Officer of Symrise AG,
said: "Symrise is off to a solid start for the current fiscal year.
After the subdued development at the beginning of this year, the
market environment improved faster than originally anticipated. Our
business with global customers has grown especially rapid. In
addition, we maintained our profitability at our targeted margin
level of 20 % despite high raw material costs. We also expanded our
market presence with targeted acquisitions and strengthened our focus
on innovation in fast growing market segments. In view of the
positive developments seen in this quarter, we are raising our sales
outlook for the current financial year."

Sales up 4 %

Symrise generated sales of EUR 432.6 million during the first quarter
of 2012 (Q1 2011: EUR 416.8 million). After a reserved start to 2012,
economic development brightened over the course of the first quarter,
particularly in March, and stimulated a positive boost to demand.
With an increase of 4 % (2 % at local currency), the Group has laid
the foundation for further growth over the course of the year.

Latin America continued its positive development, achieving a sales
increase of 10 % (10 % at local currency). Particularly Oral Care,
Sweet and Beverage application areas contributed to this growth.
Business in North America significantly recovered, posting sales
growth of 13 % (9 % at local currency). This was mainly supported by
high demand in Life Essentials and Oral Care. Sales in Asia/Pacific
were up 5 % (1 % at local currency). The individual segments
developed very favorably in this region. Sales in the EAME region
decreased by 2 % against the prior-year quarter (-2 % at local
currency). A positive development in Fine Fragrances could not fully
compensate for the lower demand in the UV Protection and in Aroma
Molecules.

EBITDA margin of 20.1 % achieved

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization
(EBITDA) rose by 2 % to EUR 87.0 million (Q1 2011: EUR 85.2 million)
in the reporting period. Along with higher energy costs, the ongoing
volatility of raw material prices influenced the result. In addition
to the steep rise of the oil price, the first quarter also saw
selective price increases for other raw materials. Symrise benefited
from its backwards integration with important raw materials which
will be further expanded with the nearly finished addition of
production capacities for Menthol. Despite these impacts on the cost
side, the Group was able to keep profitability above its target mark
with an EBITDA margin of 20.1 % (Q1 2011: 20.5 %).

Net income for the period amounted to EUR 43 million corresponding to
a 3 % increase on the prior-year quarter (Q1 2011: EUR 41 million).
Symrise slightly increased its earnings per share to EUR 0.36 (Q1
2011: EUR 0.35).

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

Symrise ended the first quarter with a stronger balance sheet and
enhanced financial strength. The equity ratio increased to 45 %
against the same period last year (Q1 2011: 43 %). Cash flow from
operating activities rose to EUR 19.7 million; it was therefore
significantly above the previous year's figure (Q1 2011: EUR 6.4
million) which was impacted by greater working capital due to the
increase of strategic inventories. At 2.2, the ratio of net debt
incl. pension provisions to EBITDA remained nearly even compared to
the first quarter and the end of 2011; it remained at the lower end
of the target range of 2 to 2.5.

Expanding Market Presence in Emerging Markets

During the first quarter, Symrise strengthened its market presence in
the emerging markets through organic growth and acquisitions. With
the takeover of Belmay's Brazilian activities, the Group expanded its
existing range of offers with products for the Fine Fragrances, Hair
Care and Personal Care application areas. Emerging markets accounted
for 46 % of total sales in the first quarter.

Above Average Growth with Global Customers

Symrise also continued to expand its strategically important business
with internationally operating food and consumer goods corporations
in the first quarter. Sales with the ten largest customers per
division increased 8 % at local currency, considerably exceeding the
growth rate of overall sales. Business with global customers was
especially dynamic in the Scent & Care division with an increase of
10 % at local currency. Flavor & Nutrition posted a sales increase of
5 % at local currency in line with the top ten customer business. The
Group generated almost one third (32 %) of its sales with top ten
customers in the reporting period.

Scent & Care Division

Scent & Care posted sales of EUR 225 million in the first quarter (Q1
2011: EUR 218 million), corresponding to a growth of 3 % (1 % at
local currency) compared to the prior-year quarter.

The Oral Care business achieved double-digit sales growth due to new
business in North and Latin America. In addition, Scent & Care
benefited from the expansion of its portfolio, strengthening its
position as one of the leading providers of product solutions for
cosmetic applications. In Fine Fragrances sales growth was more
moderate and reflected slower demand.

With sales up 15% at local currency Latin America was once again the
fastest growing region for Scent & Care. The division boosted sales
considerably in the Oral Care business due to newly gained business
wins. With the acquisition of Belmay's Brazilian activities, Scent &
Care further expanded its existing portfolio. The second strongest
region was North America, with sales growth of 7 % at local currency.
Strong increases in Oral Care and Life Essentials were the main
drivers. In February, Symrise announced the acquisition of Trilogy
Fragrances which strengthens the dynamically growing business with
natural perfume oils and contributes to further expand the Group's
presence in North America. In Asia/Pacific, the division generated
growth of 2 % at local currency and benefited from increasing demand
in Menthol applications and for household products. Despite the
positive development of Fine Fragrances in EAME, sales in the region
decreased 6 % at local currency and mainly reflect lower demand in UV
protection and Aroma Molecules.

In the reporting period EBITDA for Scent & Care increased 4 % to EUR
45 million. The EBITDA margin for the division was slightly above the
previous year's mark at 19.9 % (2011: 19.7 %).

Flavor & Nutrition Division

Flavor & Nutrition increased sales by 5 % to EUR 208 million (Q1
2011: EUR 198 million) in the first quarter 2011. At local currency,
this corresponds to a sales growth of 3 %. The division benefited
from its strong position with global customers and the expansion of
its activities in North America.

With a sales rising by 11 % at local currency, Flavor & Nutrition
experienced particularly dynamic growth in North America. The main
drivers were strategically important global customers, with whom
Symrise generated a wide range of new business in the first quarter.
In EAME, sales rose by 3 % at local currency. The emerging markets in
Eastern Europe, Africa and the Middle East were significant
contributors here. In Latin America, sales were also up by 3 % at
local currency compared to the previous year. Asia/Pacific, on the
other hand, experienced a slow start to the year. At local currency,
sales came in 1 % lower than in the previous year. This is primarily
due to the weak demand in the first two months, which showed
considerable signs of improvement in March.

In the first quarter Symrise strengthened the growing business
Consumer Health by entering into an exclusive partnership with
Indevex Biotech to focus on joint research, as well as the
development of new product concepts. With the partnership, Symrise
has secured access to a Scandinavian biotech network with existing
product partnerships.

EBITDA in the Flavor & Nutrition division remained stable compared to
the prior- year period and amounted to EUR 42 million (Q1 2011: EUR
42.2 million). Despite moderate sales growth and cost impacts from
higher raw material prices, the EBITDA margin held strong at 20.3 %
(Q1 2011: 21.3 %).

2012 Outlook: Sales Forecast Increased

Based on the positive economic developments in the first quarter,
Symrise is more confident for Fiscal Year 2012 than at the beginning
of the year. If the economy continues to improve the Company sees
good opportunities to exceed the expected market growth. Symrise
expects additional impetus, particularly during the second half of
the year, once the expanded production capacities for Menthol begin
operation in Holzminden. Against this background, Symrise is raising
its sales forecast and is now targeting sales growth between 3 % and
5 % for the year. However, the European sovereign debt crisis
continues to represent an unsecure factor for both, the European and
the global economy. In addition, Symrise expects raw material prices
to remain volatile in 2012. Regardless, Symrise aims at sustainable,
profitable growth and continues to target an EBITDA margin of about
20 percent for the 2012 fiscal year.

Key Figures of the Group

|EUR MILLION | Q12011| Q1 2012|CHANGE IN|CHANGE IN|
| | | | %| %|
| | | | | AT LOCAL|
| | | | | CURRENCY|
| | | | | |
|SALES | 416.8| 432.6| 3.8| 2.0|
|EBITDA | 85.2| 87.0| 2| 0|
|EBITDA MARGIN IN % | 20.5| 20.1| | |
|EBIT | 64.4| 66.2| 3| 1|
|EBIT MARGIN IN % | 15.4| 15.3| | |
|NET INCOME FOR THE PERIOD | 41.1| 42.5| 3| |
|EARNINGS PER SHARE IN EUR | 0.35| 0.36| 3| |
|OPERATING CASH FLOW | 6.4| 19.7| | |

|SCENT & CARE
|SALES | 218.4| 224.9| 3.0| 1.1|
|EBITDA | 43.0| 44.8| 4| 3|
|EBITDA MARGIN IN % | 19.7| 19.9| | |
|
|FLAVOR & NUTRITION
|SALES | 198.4| 207.8| 4.7| 3.0|
|EBITDA | 42.2| 42.1| 0| -2|
|EBITDA MARGIN IN % | 21.3| 20.3| | |

| | DEC. 31, 2011| MARCH 31, 2012|
|BALANCE SHEET TOTAL | 2,098.2| 2.108.6|
|EQUITY RATIO IN % | 43.5| 45.1|
|NET DEBT (INCL. PENSION | | |
|PROVISIONS)/ EBITDA (RATIO) | 2.2| 2.2|
|EMPLOYEES* | 5,434| 5,478|

* Full Time Equivalent, not including apprentices and trainees

About Symrise:

Symrise is a global supplier of fragrances, flavorings, cosmetic active
ingredients, and raw materials as well as functional ingredients. Its clients
include manufacturers of perfumes, cosmetics, and foods, the pharmaceutical
industry and producers of nutritional supplements.

Its sales of EUR 1.58 billion in 2011 place Symrise among the top four in the
global flavors and fragrances market. Headquartered in Holzminden, Germany, the
company is represented in over 35 countries in Europe, Asia, the United States
and Latin America.

Symrise works with its clients to develop new ideas and market-ready concepts
for products that form an indispensable part of everyday life. In doing so,
Symrise combines its insights into consumer trends with cutting-edge
technologies, focusing on innovative trend and lifestyle products that have

additional practical value for the consumer. Symrise - always
inspiring more…

www.symrise.com

Further inquiry note:
Media contact: Investor contact:

Bernhard Kott Tobias Erfurth
Phone: +49 (0)5531 90-1721 Phone: +49 (0)5531 90-1879
bernhard.kott@symrise.com tobias.erfurth@symrise.com

end of announcement euro adhoc
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company: Symrise AG
Mühlenfeldstraße 1
D-37603 Holzminden
phone: +49 (0) 5531/90-0
FAX: +49 (0) 5531/90-1649
mail: ir@symrise.com
WWW: http://www.symrise.com
sector: Chemicals
ISIN: DE000SYM9999
indexes: MDAX
stockmarkets: free trade: Hannover, Berlin, München, Hamburg, Düsseldorf,
Stuttgart, regulated dealing/prime standard: Frankfurt
language: English