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IFF to Pay $26 Million in Settlement of US Fragrance Market Antitrust Case

By  |  October 18, 2025
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International Flavors & Fragrances has agreed to pay $26 million to settle a portion of an antitrust class action alleging price-fixing in the U.S. fragrance ingredients market, according to Reuters. The proposed agreement, filed on Friday in a New Jersey federal court, covers claims from direct purchasers of fragrance ingredients supplied by IFF. The settlement still requires judicial approval.

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    Per Reuters, the deal represents the first resolution in ongoing litigation and includes a cooperation clause that may aid plaintiffs in pursuing remaining defendants such as Germany-based Symrise and the Netherlands’ DSM-Firmenich. IFF said the settlement resolves “a major part of the pending civil class actions” against the company and noted plans to address smaller tiers of related claims. The company also confirmed that it is assisting with regulatory investigations in multiple jurisdictions and intends to resolve them swiftly.

    The plaintiffs—five companies involved in the fragrance and candle industries—have accused IFF and other suppliers of colluding to fix prices, restrict competition, and limit production. According to Reuters, these allegations follow a series of antitrust probes launched in Europe, including Switzerland, that uncovered potential cartel activity. While IFF agreed to the settlement, it has denied any wrongdoing, as have the other defendants.

    The settlement applies to U.S. entities that purchased fragrance products directly from IFF between January 2018 and December 2023. Under the terms, IFF is required to provide “full and timely” cooperation, including information, documents, and testimony, to assist the plaintiffs’ ongoing case against the remaining companies.

    Plaintiffs’ attorneys said they would seek court approval for legal fees amounting to roughly one-third of the settlement value—about $8.6 million. The case, titled In re: Fragrance Direct Purchaser Antitrust Litigation, is being heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, docket number 2:23-cv-02174.

    Law firms representing the plaintiffs include Nussbaum Law Group, Burke LLP, and Hausfeld, according to Reuters.

    Source: Reuters