International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), in collaboration with Florida Polytechnic University, has launched the Citrus Innovation Centre in Lakeland, Florida, US.
The 30,000ft2 facility is equipped with advanced technology and a comprehensive citrus ecosystem, including a 360-degree digital immersion room.
It aims to enhance botanical research using IFF’s natural ingredients expertise and offers capabilities in processing, analytics, and product creation for scent and taste.
The new Citrus Innovation Centre will focus on applications across food and beverage, fine fragrance, body care, fabric and home care.
With advanced technology, IFF customers can expect rapid product development, innovative citrus applications, and advanced product testing.
The facility is designed to strengthen partnerships, aligning with IFF’s culture and values, and provides access to industry experts and on-site prototyping capabilities.
IFF CEO Erik Fyrwald said: “Citrus is vital to our creations in scent and taste, with enormous potential for innovation across our businesses.
“The Citrus Innovation Center embodies our unwavering dedication to innovation, and our commitment to creating enduring external partnerships that help us to bring leading solutions to our customers while doing more good for people and planet.”
The new facility is designed with a focus on sustainability and features a unique architectural expression and views of the campus and surrounding nature.
The building has achieved LEED Silver certification and includes a solar array system that meets its entire power demand.
It also uses well and reclaimed water for irrigation, incorporates energy-saving processes, and operates a comprehensive recycling programme with Recycling Services of Florida.
The centre supports approximately 40 jobs and offers opportunities for expansion, job rotations, professional development, and training.
It aligns with IFF’s commitment to delivering sustainable innovations in flavours, fragrances, food ingredients, health, and biosciences, enhancing wellness and the human experience.
Florida Polytechnic University president Devin Stephenson said: “The grand opening of IFF’s Citrus Innovation Center on our campus marks a pivotal milestone for Florida Poly, launching a bold partnership that will drive pioneering research and create transformative opportunities for our students and faculty.
“This powerful collaboration will accelerate discovery and technological advancement in the flavour and fragrance industry, while marking the beginning of a research park that will fuel innovation and economic growth.”
