LMR Naturals, a subsidiary of IFF (International Flavors and Fragrances) specializing in natural ingredients for perfumery, cosmetics, and fragrances, inaugurated a new experimental field in Grasse, in southern France, on Thursday, May 28.
“Imagining the future of natural ingredients”
Dubbed Domaine des Naturels LMR, the field is dedicated to advancing research in natural ingredients, preserving Grasse’s agricultural heritage and expanding education in naturals.
“With Domaine des Naturels LMR, we are bringing together innovation, preservation and knowledge sharing to shape the next chapter of natural ingredients, powered by deep scientific expertise and a truly global innovation network. What matters most is what this unlocks for our customers: more creative freedom, more distinctive ingredients, and ultimately true differentiation,” said Ana Paula Mendonça, president, Scent, IFF.
Located near LMR’s Grasse headquarters and its high-end creation site, L’Atelier du Parfumeur, the 1.8-hectare experimental field operates as an integrated research and development platform. The field allows IFF teams to explore plant varieties, refine cultivation techniques and assess bio-based inputs under real-world conditions.
“This inauguration creates a unique ecosystem, bringing together ten botanical engineers and a mobile distillation unit in the field. It will enable varietal selection and the optimization of cultivation and harvesting methods. It is a central platform for imagining the future of natural ingredients,” Judith Gross, VP Communications & Branding Scent at IFF, told Premium Beauty News.
Acquired by IFF in 2025, the field builds on the legacy of pioneering farmer Constant Viale, its former owner. Domaine des Naturels LMR maintains a collection of endemic species, including rose, jasmine, tuberose, iris, narcissus and olive trees. Combining traditional cultivation methods with advanced agronomic approaches, LMR continues to protect and develop Grasse’s distinctive know-how. Terraced farming, organic practices and biodiversity initiatives help preserve both the landscape and its ecological balance.
Stewardship and education
Domaine des Naturels LMR also serves as an immersive environment dedicated to natural ingredients education, offering customers, partners and perfumers direct insight into the realities of sourcing and cultivating natural materials. The site will gradually host the LMR Naturals Academy, with training programs and hands-on experiences to deepen expertise and ensure the transmission of this specialized knowledge.
“By bringing together innovation, heritage and education, LMR Naturals by IFF continues to shape what comes next for naturals,” said Bertrand de Préville, general manager of LMR Naturals by IFF. “We’re anchored in Grasse, connected to a global network and driven by a long-term vision.”
