Our Story | Firmenich

Firmenich was founded in Geneva in 1895 thanks to the creative vision of a Scientist, Philippe Chuit and the determination of two entrepreneurs, Martin Naef and Fred Firmenich. It all actually started in the garage of Charles Firmenich – as a true start-up story! Since 1895, we have been innovating to make a positive difference for all. We go beyond creating unique sensorial experiences. We create positive emotions to improve wellbeing, while preserving the planet and we partner with likeminded, purpose driven companies that are committed to making a positive impact on the world today.

The Firmenich California team embodies the entrepreneurial spirit of our founders and the heart of our purpose through our hands-on and collaborative approach to flavor and product development. From prototype to launch, we’ll partner with food and beverage brands wherever they need us. We are in tune with the West Coast market environment and are continuously motivated by our California roots and the industry leading innovation from past to present.

Firmenich’s California facilities have been located in Anaheim since 1926 and the site’s history and Southern California heritage are a source of inspiration today. Orange County is known for its citrus groves and many local companies have grown their businesses by creatively leveraging local citrus crops in the area. Mutual Citrus Products (MCP Foods), Sunkist Grower’s Inc., and Borden Foods, all previously occupied our Anaheim site and produced a range of innovative citrus based products, from juices and concentrates to encapsulated flavors and emulsions.

Southern California is also known for its health focused, active lifestyle and is the epicenter of surf and skate culture. In fact, one of the Firmenich California buildings was once home to the factory and showroom of the first skate shoe brand Vans – and today we are inspired to continue driving an authentic and creative approach to brand and product innovation in the space.

In Spring 2021 we opened our newly designed West Coast Innovation Center for end-to-end product development. The new facilities are designed to increase creativity, improve connectivity to customers, and enable rapid product innovation. This facility and its integration with the global Firmenich network and regional areas of expertise, like our partnership with Stanford running a next generation research program and our San Diego taste research and development center, will enable Firmenich to move to the next era of excellence in taste and beyond.