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IFF has announced the opening of a new Citrus Innovation Center in Lakeland, Florida, US, in partnership with Florida Polytechnic University.

The 30,000-square-foot site encompasses advanced capabilities in botanical research, leveraging the company’s expertise in natural ingredients, processing, analytics and product creation for scent and taste.

It will focus on applications in food and beverage, as well as fragrance, body care, fabrics and home care. The facility’s technologies on offer include a 360-degree digital immersion room and on-site prototyping capabilities, enabling customised solutions. Customers can utilise the centre to explore innovative citrus applications and conduct rapid product development and advanced product testing.

IFF aims to foster collaborative innovation partnerships with the introduction of the centre, which enables direct access to industry experts and academia. It will offer job opportunities in research, customer experience, supply and operations, expected to support approximately 40 jobs with potential for expansion, job rotations, professional development and training.

The site has also been designed with sustainability in mind, with key features including LEED silver certification, a solar array system that meets the site’s entire power demand, the use of well and reclaimed water for irrigation, energy-saving processes and a recycling programme in partnership with Recycling Services of Florida.

Erik Fyrwald, CEO of IFF, 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.”