The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) has formally closed its antitrust investigation into Symrise AG, lifting a significant legal overhang for one of the beverage industry’s key flavour and fragrance suppliers. In a letter dated February 5, 2026, the authority confirmed that no unlawful anti-competitive conduct had been established.
The German group welcomed the decision, reiterating that it had consistently denied participating in any unlawful agreements with competitors in the fragrance business and had argued from the outset that its inclusion in the probe was unjustified. The company emphasized its continued commitment to regulatory compliance and ethical standards, while expressing hope that parallel investigations by other authorities will also be discontinued.
The investigation dates back to heightened regulatory scrutiny in 2023, when Givaudan SA, Firmenich International SA (now part of DSM-Firmenich AG), and International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. also came under examination over allegations of price-fixing raised in private litigation in the United States. In mid-2025, the DoJ had intervened in a civil case in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey to pause certain discovery proceedings, citing an ongoing criminal investigation into fragrance majors.
For the brewing and beverage sector, the closure removes uncertainty at a time when suppliers and brand owners are navigating soft consumer demand in parts of the alcohol market and accelerating innovation in no- and low-alcohol categories.
Symrise is an important partner to beverage manufacturers, including brewers expanding into functional and non-alcoholic beer mixes. With around 70% of consumers seeking functional drinks for hydration support and 61% of U.S. Gen Z consumers aiming to reduce alcohol intake, the global functional beverage market is expected to grow by roughly 7% annually through 2027. Vitamins remain the leading functional ingredient.
The DoJ’s decision provides clarity not only for Symrise but also for beverage manufacturers relying on its flavour expertise as they compete in a fast-evolving market defined by wellness, moderation and cost-sensitive innovation.
