IFF launches citrus innovation center in Florida to advance scent and taste research
The new facility aims to improve citrus-based product development while offering fresh job opportunities and environmental solutions.
USA – IFF has officially opened its Citrus Innovation Center in Lakeland, Florida, in collaboration with Florida Polytechnic University.
The 30,000-square-foot space is designed to support advanced citrus research and product creation across food, fragrance, body care, and home care industries.
“Citrus is vital to our creations in scent and taste, with enormous potential for innovation across our businesses,” said Erik Fyrwald, CEO of IFF.
“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 facility includes a digital immersion room, botanical research labs, and areas dedicated to analytics, processing, and product development. It is set up to give customers a faster way to test and develop citrus applications, with the help of IFF experts and on-site prototyping tools.
Education and innovation hand in hand
Florida Polytechnic University welcomed the center’s opening as a major step forward for the institution and local economic development. Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of the university, 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.”
Dr. Stephenson added that the partnership is the beginning of a research park meant to grow both academic and industry success.
The building itself reflects care for both science and the environment. Designed to meet LEED silver certification standards, it runs entirely on solar energy.
It also uses well and reclaimed water for irrigation, follows energy-saving practices, and partners with Recycling Services of Florida for a complete recycling plan.
IFF expects the center to support about 40 jobs, with room for more roles as the facility expands. The center is also seen as a platform for professional training and staff rotations, helping to shape a skilled workforce for the future.
Wider industry push
Beyond Florida, IFF has been working on several other global efforts to improve how food and fragrance products are developed. At Gulfood Manufacturing 2024, IFF shared updates on new dairy drinks with added calcium, fizzy drinks connected to consumer moods, and sauces made with less tomato paste to help manufacturers save on costs without sacrificing taste.
In Türkiye, IFF’s Creation and Design Center near Istanbul recently received R&D accreditation from the national Ministry of Industry and Technology.
The site includes labs for snacks, beverages, meat, and other products and is supported by 29 application scientists. Türkiye’s food and beverage industry plays a significant role in the economy, contributing close to 20% of GDP.
IFF is also focused on solutions for weight management. As interest in mindful eating and high-protein diets grows, the company has developed options that include SUPRO® soy protein, which helps with satiety and muscle support. This comes at a time when interest in anti-obesity drugs is growing, even as public confidence in them dips.
With these developments, IFF continues to show a strong focus on practical research, customer needs, and sustainable growth—one facility and product at a time.
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