BASF and Global Essence Inc. enter into a distribution agreement to serve North American menthol market

FLORHAM PARK, NJ, June 13, 2012 – BASF Aroma Chemicals Business Unit today announced that it has signed a distribution agreement with Global Essence Inc., based in Freehold, New Jersey, for the purpose of penetrating and servicing small to mid-market customers for menthol products in North America. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“This agreement is in line with our focus on L-menthol, the new addition to BASF's citral value chain,” said Andrea Wiese, North American Sales Manager of BASF’s Aroma Chemicals Business Unit. “Our agreement with Global Essence will contribute to our customers’ success in North America.”

“We are delighted to form this strategic alliance between BASF and Global Essence Inc., as it complements and enhances our portfolio of mint and mint related products, a core focus within our flavor and fragrance pallet,” said Katrina Neale, President of Global Essence. “Aligning with BASF adds an internationally renowned and highly respected additional core supplier to the Global Essence family.”

The agreement was signed on site at the World Perfumery Congress at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods Resort in Mashantucket, Connecticut, on June 12, 2012.

About Global Essence Inc.

Global Essence Inc. is a global supplier of essential oils and aroma chemicals to the flavor, fragrance, personal care, household, beverage and tobacco industries. With convenient staff and warehouse facilities in the United States, Great Britain, Germany and Singapore, the experienced Global Essence team representatives have over 100 years of solid experience in the global flavor and fragrance industry.

About BASF Nutrition & Health 

BASF’s Nutrition & Health division develops, produces and markets a comprehensive range of products and services for the pharmaceuticals, aroma chemicals, human nutrition and animal nutrition industries. The division addresses customer needs and enhances consumers’ well-being and quality of life. Nutrition & Health provides the pharmaceutical industry with active ingredients such as caffeine and ibuprofen, as well as excipients and customized synthesis services. The division produces aroma chemicals such as citral and geraniol for the flavor and fragrance industry. Important human nutrition products are vitamins and carotenoids, plant sterols, emulsifiers and omega-3 fatty acids. Its feed additives such as vitamins, carotenoids and enzymes make Nutrition & Health a worldwide leader for the animal nutrition market.

BASF – The Chemical Company

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 16,000 employees in North America, and had sales of $20 billion in 2011. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, visit www.basf.us.

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. We combine economic success, social responsibility and environmental protection. Through science and innovation we enable our customers in almost all industries to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and system solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring healthy food and nutrition and helping to improve the quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF posted sales of about €73.5 billion in 2011 and had more than 111,000 employees as of the end of the year. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.