IFF Launches Citrus Innovation Center in Florida, Elevating Global Flavor and Fragrance Research
IFF, a global leader in the science of flavors, fragrances, and health ingredients, has officially opened its highly anticipated Citrus Innovation Center in Lakeland, Florida. Developed in collaboration with Florida Polytechnic University, this state-of-the-art 30,000-square-foot facility marks a significant leap forward in the company’s efforts to accelerate innovation in natural citrus-based products across a wide range of consumer categories.
Positioned strategically in Central Florida—an area globally recognized for its citrus production—the new center will serve as a global hub for citrus innovation, with applications spanning food and beverages, fine fragrance, personal care, and home care sectors. The project reinforces IFF’s commitment to pioneering sustainable, consumer-focused solutions and deepening partnerships with both academia and industry.
Blending Science, Sustainability, and Sensory Experience
The Citrus Innovation Center integrates a comprehensive suite of advanced capabilities, including botanical research, analytical laboratories, product development studios, and cutting-edge digital tools. A central highlight is the 360-degree digital immersion room, where customers and collaborators can experience sensory prototypes in virtual environments. This immersive space is designed to help clients visualize and test product applications in real time, reducing development timelines and enhancing creative decision-making.
IFF’s expertise in natural ingredients is fully on display here, especially through its proprietary LMR by IFF platform, which focuses on ethically sourced, high-quality botanicals. The center allows researchers and creators to explore the full potential of citrus—from juice and zest to peel oil and aromatic compounds—helping brands innovate in ways that are both authentic and sustainable.
“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.”
A Strategic Partnership with Florida Polytechnic University
IFF’s decision to co-locate the Citrus Innovation Center on the Florida Polytechnic University campus speaks volumes about the company’s vision for collaborative innovation. Florida Poly, as the state’s only public university dedicated exclusively to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), brings both academic rigor and research capabilities that align with IFF’s forward-thinking ethos.
“The grand opening of IFF’s Citrus Innovation Center on our campus marks a pivotal milestone for Florida Poly,” said Dr. Devin Stephenson, President of Florida Polytechnic University. “This powerful collaboration will accelerate discovery and technological advancement in the flavor and fragrance industry, while marking the beginning of a research park that will fuel innovation and economic growth.”
The partnership aims to foster student engagement through internships, co-ops, and direct collaboration with IFF scientists. Faculty-led research projects are also expected to benefit from the center’s proximity and resources, offering real-world applications for students pursuing careers in biosciences, chemical engineering, and product design.
Innovation with an Environmental Ethos
IFF’s Citrus Innovation Center is not only a hub for creativity but also a showcase for environmentally conscious design. The building is constructed to meet LEED Silver standards and integrates several sustainable features:
- A solar array system provides 100% of the facility’s power needs.
- Well and reclaimed water systems are used for irrigation, conserving precious freshwater resources.
- Energy-efficient equipment and processing systems minimize emissions and operational costs.
- A recycling partnership with Recycling Services of Florida ensures that materials used in research and operations are handled responsibly.
These initiatives reflect IFF’s global mission to improve sustainability across all aspects of its business while maintaining high standards for product safety, quality, and performance.
Empowering the Workforce and Community
The Citrus Innovation Center is expected to support approximately 40 specialized jobs, ranging from botanical research and product development to customer experience and operations. These roles are just the beginning, as the facility has been designed with flexibility and future expansion in mind.
In addition to career opportunities, the site offers structured programs for professional development, job rotation, and hands-on training. Employees and interns alike will have access to world-class equipment and mentorship from industry leaders, further strengthening the region’s reputation as a center for scientific excellence.
IFF also envisions the center as a community asset—providing local job creation, fostering educational partnerships, and enhancing the area’s appeal to innovative enterprises looking to engage with Florida Poly and the broader Central Florida region.
A Global Impact from a Local Legacy
Florida’s citrus heritage is a cornerstone of the state’s agricultural identity, and IFF’s new investment pays homage to that legacy while aiming to elevate it to a global stage. The Citrus Innovation Center’s capabilities position IFF to deliver faster and more efficient product development cycles, giving clients around the world access to custom-tailored citrus solutions that meet evolving consumer preferences for authenticity, wellness, and sustainability.
For global brands seeking unique citrus notes or breakthrough formulations, the Lakeland facility will serve as a one-stop destination, backed by IFF’s international network of research, manufacturing, and customer service locations.
About IFF
At IFF (NYSE: IFF), the mission is to create joy through science, creativity, and heart. As a global leader in the development of flavors, fragrances, health ingredients, and biosciences, IFF supports some of the world’s most iconic products. The company’s portfolio includes solutions that elevate the everyday—bringing wellness, sensory delight, and purpose to products across categories. With a steadfast focus on sustainable innovation, IFF serves customers in more than 100 countries. Learn more at iff.com, or follow the company on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
About Florida Polytechnic University
Florida Polytechnic University is a nationally recognized leader in STEM education and innovation. As the No. 1 ranked public college in the Southeast for four consecutive years and a top-20 public engineering program without a Ph.D., Florida Poly continues to push the boundaries of applied research and industry collaboration. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and part of the State University System of Florida, the university offers ABET-accredited degrees across engineering and technology disciplines. Florida Poly is home to the iconic Innovation, Science, and Technology (IST) Building, designed by world-renowned architect Dr. Santiago Calatrava, which has received more than 20 international architectural awards. Learn more at floridapoly.edu.
This release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These include expectations about the future performance of the Citrus Innovation Center, potential job growth, expansion plans, and innovation capabilities. Words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “will,” “target,” and similar expressions are used to identify these statements. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties. IFF does not undertake any obligation to update such statements based on future developments.
