The global market for flavours and fragrances is dominated by four firms that control more than two-thirds of the supply of chemical compounds that stimulate our olfactory and gustatory senses. Whether it is the mint extract in your toothpaste, the vanilla essence in your ice cream, the synthetic musk in your cologne, the citrus taste in your energy drink or the lavender smell of your fabric softener, the chances are that one of the four companies mentioned here supplies the essential ingredients responsible for that distinctive taste or smell. Here are the main players: 

Givaudan ..

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