In June 2020, Firmenich acquired Les Dérivés Résiniques et Terpéniques ("DRT"), a world leader in plant-based chemistry, mainly from pine trees, and one of the leading suppliers globally of high quality, renewable ingredients. In October 2020, Firmenich announced that it had created a flavour by means of artificial intelligence. It teamed with Microsoft who helped leverage "the entirety of Firmenich’s broad raw material database" to dissimulate "a lightly grilled beef taste" into its plant-based meat alternatives. Firmenich's "unique palette of ingredients" and "SmartProteins expertise in plant-based protein alternatives" were instrumental in the innovation process. In 2021, Firmenich was ranked second on FoodTalks' Global Top 50 Food Flavours and Fragrances Companies list, below Givaudan and above International Flavors and Fragrances. Major competitors include Givaudan, IFF and Symrise. Lobby groups Firmenich is a member of the European Flavour Association. In March 2021, Firmenich, Givaudan, IFF and Symrise launched the Fragrance Science and Advocacy Council. References Chemical companies of Switzerland Flavor companies Fragrance companies Manufacturing companies based in Geneva Food and drink companies of Switzerland Cosmetics companies of Switzerland Multinational companies headquartered in Switzerland Announced mergers and acquisitions