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Firmenich has announced the opening of its Taste & Beyond pilot plant in Anaheim, California, which aims to help customers prepare for scaled-up production. The facility is designed to turn around multiple prototypes and create small-scale application samples in a short period of time, helping brands to accelerate their speed to market. It will serve customers in a variety of markets, including savoury, beverages and nutrition. Firmenich says that the Californian site strengthens its position as "a trusted innovation partner for visionary food, beverage and nutrition customers". Sherry Xian Linert, VP of Firmenich West Coast ventures, said: “The food and beverage industry is quickly evolving globally, and at an even faster rate here on the US West Coast. This sheer pace makes speed to market absolutely critical. I’m excited to leverage our West Coast innovation centre and new pilot plant, combined with our expertise in plant-based proteins and nutrition products, to work with customers on rapid prototyping." Chris Perkins, president and SVP, taste & beyond North America, added: “Following the very successful opening of our innovation centre last year, our fully equipped pilot plant is a powerful next step in our vision for the West Coast, allowing us to partner even more impactfully with customers to create the next generation of consumer food and beverage experiences that are good for people and the planet”.