In 1993, Bell Flavors & Fragrances acquired the operations of the former firm Schimmel &Co. in Leipzig, Germany. This company, originally founded in 1829, is considered to be the founding firm of the flavor and fragrance industry.

The scientific accomplishments developed at Schimmel formed the basis for the technology still used in the industry today. Works such as The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, published by Doctors Gildemeister and Hoffmann in 1899 and The Theory of the Extraction and Separation of Essential Oils by way of Distillation published by Dr. Carl V. Rechenberg in 1908, became the standards for the production and use of these products. Outstanding achievement in the field of terpene chemistry was recognized when Dr. Otto Wallach received the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1910. Today, the Schimmel operations are part of the Bell Flavors & Fragrance group. The facilities are one or the largest, most modern, computer operated production plants in Europe. With over 40 scientists, 20 of whom have Doctorates, Bell's tradition of innovation and research continues into the new millennium.

History of Bell

Bell Flavors & Fragrances was founded in Chicago, Illinois USA by Mr. William M. Bell. As a pioneer in the rapidly growing field of flavor chemistry at the turn of the last century, he was instrumental in developing flavor systems that produced extraordinary tastes in newly developed confections and dairy products. At that time many new products were first formulating with the dairy product whey, a highly nutritious ingredient but difficult to balance correctly with taste. Bell’s flavors, incorporated into the first caramels and marshmallows produced in the USA, are still widely used in these products.

Over time, this flavor expertise in the applications of fruit flavors for beverages, dairy products, ice cream and candy was broadened and developed to produce many of the leading products on the market. In 1967, the Heinz family acquired Mr. Bell’s firm and expanded the firm through growth, by maintaining the same standards of excellence for tastes already firmly established.

Acquisitions played an important part in developing the firm of today, Bell has acquired sixteen different flavor and fragrance houses around the world all bringing to Bell expertise in areas such as fragrances, aroma chemicals, botanicals and natural extracts.

Today, Bell Flavors & Fragrances develops products for leading beverage, food and cosmetics companies throughout the world. Bell has become a global company with 1000 employees worldwide. We manufacture our products at seven locations in Canada, China, Germany, Mexico and the United States.