Located on the Florida Polytechnic University campus, the IFF site is powered by advanced technology, expert knowledge, and a holistic citrus ecosystem in the heart of Florida’s citrus belt.

IFF (NYSE: IFF) today announced the opening of the Citrus Innovation Center in Lakeland, Florida, in partnership with Florida Polytechnic University. This 30,000 square foot facility encompasses state-of-the-art capabilities in botanical research, leveraging its LMR by IFF natural ingredients expertise, processing, analytics, product creation for scent and taste, and includes a 360-degree digital immersion room. Designed with sustainability in mind, the center offers job opportunities in research, customer experience, supply, and operations.

“Citrus is vital to our creations in scent and taste, with enormous potential for innovation across our businesses,” said Erik Fyrwald, IFF CEO. “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 Citrus Innovation Center will focus on applications in food and beverage, fine fragrance, body care, and fabric & home care. Equipped with cutting-edge technologies, IFF customers can anticipate rapid product development, explore innovative citrus applications, and conduct advanced product testing. The facility is designed to foster collaborative innovation partnerships, aligning with IFF’s culture and values. Additionally, the center boasts direct access to industry-leading experts, academia, and on-site prototyping capabilities, enabling customized solutions. Supporting approximately 40 jobs, the facility offers room for expansion, with opportunities for job rotations, professional development, and training—paving the way for future growth and innovation.

“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,” 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.” ​

Attention to detail is central to the building’s design. Its unique architectural expression, combined with views of the campus and surrounding nature, complements the center’s goal of minimizing its environmental footprint. Key sustainability features include 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 comprehensive recycling program in partnership with Recycling Services of Florida.

Welcome to IFF

At IFF (NYSE: IFF), we make joy through science, creativity, and heart. As the global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, health and biosciences, we deliver groundbreaking, sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products—advancing wellness, delighting the senses, and enhancing the human experience. Learn more at iff.com, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

Welcome to Florida Polytechnic University

Florida Polytechnic University is ranked the No.1 public college in the Southeast United States for four years in a row and a top 20 public engineering program without a Ph.D. in the nation for two years in a row. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and a member of the State University System of Florida. Florida Poly is the only state university dedicated exclusively to STEM and offers ABET-accredited degrees. Florida Poly is a powerful economic engine within the state of Florida, blending applied research with industry partnerships to give students an academically rigorous education with real-world relevance. Florida Poly’s iconic Innovation, Science, and Technology Building, designed by world-renowned architect Dr. Santiago Calatrava, has won more than 20 global awards and was named one of the 16 most breathtaking buildings in the world. Connect with Florida Poly.

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