Flavor and Fragrance Firm's CEO Leads Ambitious Acquisition Spree

Frutarom, a company specializing in flavors and fragrances, reached a peak market value of NIS 9.8 billion in February. CEO Ori Cohen-Hazan, a chemist with prior experience at Makhteshim Agan, founded a consulting firm before becoming CEO of Aromor in 2002. She and partners acquired 50% of Aromor for under $5 million, later selling it to IFF for $102 million in 2014. Three years prior, Cohen-Hazan and others bought Frutarom for $10 million. Appointed CEO in 2016, she initiated a series of acquisitions. Frutarom went public in 2021 at a valuation of NIS 883 million, increasing tenfold since. In 2026, the company made its largest acquisition to date, purchasing U.S.-based Phoenix Flavors & Fragrances for $95 million. In the same month, Frutarom acquired 70% of French company Robertet for €22.6 million. Frutarom is now seeking expansion in Asia and is a contender to acquire a major Japanese company. This year, significant market liquidations and reduced profitability due to large deals have caused Frutarom's valuation to drop below NIS 6 billion. To regain its peak valuation, Cohen-Hazan must demonstrate success in integrating acquired companies and benefit from a favorable market. While she no longer receives the same discounts as an emerging CEO, her status as one of Israel's most prominent industrialists is secured, holding 38% of the company.