dsm-firmenich reports strong Q1 financials, breaks ground on innovation hub in Switzerland

NETHERLANDS –  dsm-firmenich has kicked off 2025 with a powerful financial performance, reporting an 8% organic sales growth in the first quarter, underpinned by a standout 19% organic growth in its Animal Nutrition & Health (ANH) segment. 

This strong momentum comes as the company also reiterated the €1.5 billion(US$1.61 billion) sale of its Feed Enzymes business to Novonesis and celebrated the groundbreaking of a new state-of-the-art SPACE Building at its Sisseln site in Switzerland.

The company’s Q1 trading update, published ahead of its Annual General Meeting on May 6, highlighted broad-based growth across all business units and reaffirmed a bullish outlook for the full year. 

Adjusted EBITDA surged thanks in part to a temporary vitamin price effect, with full-year guidance remaining at a minimum of €2.4 billion(US$2.58 billion).

“We had a good start to the year, recording 8% organic sales growth in Q1 with positive contributions across all businesses, driving a further improvement in financial performance,” the company stated in its report.

ANH, which aims to enable efficient and sustainable animal protein production, posted €874 million(US$941 million) in sales for Q1 2025, up from €746 million(US$803 million) the previous year. 

Adjusted EBITDA jumped more than sevenfold to €186 million(US$200 million), with an improved margin of 21.3%, driven by a 17% increase in pricing and strong underlying performance supported by temporary vitamin price spikes.

“This strong quarter reflects not just favourable market dynamics but the results of our vitamin transformation program,” dsm-firmenich noted.

As part of its broader portfolio evolution, the company confirmed the ongoing exit from the Animal Nutrition & Health segment is “advancing as planned.” 

The sale of the Feed Enzymes business, announced this quarter, will contribute to a €1 billion(US$1.08 billion) share buyback program launched in April.

Beyond its animal health business 

The company also reported growth across other business segments. Perfumery & Beauty experienced strong gains in Perfumery, though performance in Beauty lagged due to weak demand in suncare. 

Taste, Texture & Health saw robust growth, supported by ingredient synergies, and Health, Nutrition & Care rebounded on the strength of dietary supplements and early life nutrition sales.

Looking ahead, dsm-firmenich maintains confidence in its trajectory. The FY 2025 guidance includes an expected €150 million(US$161 million) temporary benefit from vitamin pricing disruptions, €85 million(US$91 million) of which was realized in Q1, and an anticipated €40 million (US$43 million)EBITDA impact from the partial deconsolidation following the Feed Enzymes divestment.

New upgrade to Swiss vitamin facility 

Meanwhile, dsm-firmenich is laying the foundation for the future of its vitamin business. In Sisseln, the company marked the start of construction for its new SPACE Building at the ANH site, which has been the cornerstone of vitamin manufacturing and technology for nearly six decades.

“This future-ready facility will feature a staff restaurant, collaborative workspaces, a central QC lab, and sustainable design with solar panels and a rooftop terrace,” the company said in a celebratory LinkedIn post. 

“As a leading vitamin producer in the heart of Europe, we are investing in our people, our capabilities, and our commitment to global supply resilience, innovation, and sustainability.”

The new SPACE Building underscores dsm-firmenich’s strategy to lead in innovation and operational excellence while emphasising environmental stewardship and employee wellbeing.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.