Haarmann & Reimer

Haarmann & Reimer was a pioneering German manufacturer of flavors and fragrances, best known for the first industrial synthesis of vanillin in 1874. Founded by Wilhelm Haarmann and Karl Reimer, the company became a cornerstone of the global aroma chemicals industry. For much of the 20th century, it operated as a key subsidiary of Bayer AG, supplying essential ingredients and excipients to the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. Its expertise in organic chemistry allowed for the development of numerous synthetic compounds used in oral care and topical healthcare products. In 2003, the company was merged with Dragoco to form Symrise, following an acquisition by EQT Partners. Today, the legacy of Haarmann & Reimer persists through Symrise's extensive portfolio in the life sciences and consumer goods sectors.