Global fragrance heavyweights Givaudan, International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), and DSM-Firmenich are under the microscope in India as authorities launch a second antitrust probe into the industry. While these companies were already facing scrutiny over potential anti-poaching agreements, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has now opened a fresh investigation into alleged price collusion dating back to 2024. This move aligns with broader international pressure, as regulators in the UK, Switzerland, and the European Union are also examining these firms for similar anti-competitive behaviors regarding the supply of fragrances and raw ingredients.

The investigation hit a snag recently when the CCI was forced to recall an internal report outlining its preliminary findings. Givaudan and IFF successfully argued that the document failed to adequately protect their sensitive commercial secrets, necessitating a complete redraft. This procedural setback is expected to delay the resolution of the two-year-old case, sparking concerns among legal experts about the impact on market competition. As India's flavor and fragrance market eyes a valuation of $5 billion by 2033, the outcome of this investigation will be a critical test for the regulatory oversight of the sector.