The global citrus market has seen its fair share of challenges in the past few years. Climate change has caused disruptions in crop yields, leading to price instability and uncertain supply chains. Industry leaders are working together to ensure a strong, sustainable citrus supply for the future.
Earlier this year, IFF announced the opening of the Citrus Innovation Center, located in Lakeland, Fla., in partnership with Florida Polytechnic University.
The new center is a 30,000 square-foot facility that includes state-of-the-art capabilities in botanical research and a 360-degree digital immersion room. The center will also leverage LMR Naturals by IFF’s expertise in natural ingredients, processing, analytics and product creation.
“Citrus is vital to our creations in scent and taste, with enormous potential for innovation across our businesses,” said chief executive officer Erik Fyrwald at the center’s opening. “The Citrus Innovation Center embodies our unwavering dedication to innovation and our commitment to creating enduring partnerships that help us bring leading solutions to our customers while doing more good for people and planet.”
Perfumer & Flavorist+ caught up with Karel Coosemans, IFF’s vice president of citrus innovation, to learn how the new center is operating in its first six months and find out what solutions citrus customers are looking for.
What are the biggest challenges in the citrus market currently?
The citrus market is facing significant challenges due to climate volatility, which has
Karel Coosemans, vice president, citrus innovation, IFFCourtesy of IFF
At the same time, rising consumer demand for sustainability and clean-label products is prompting brands to reformulate using upcycled, organic and traceable citrus sources, all while managing cost pressures and preserving flavor authenticity.
IFF opened the Citrus Innovation Center in April of this year. What kind of solutions does this center offer to IFF's customers?
IFF’s Citrus Innovation Center offers a comprehensive range of solutions tailored to customer needs. These include end-to-end product design support, advanced research in citrus processing and biotechnology, rapid prototyping for customized applications, and sensory science capabilities.
The Center also provides direct access to industry-leading experts and academia, including our training program. The Citrus Academy and flavorist school offer training programs, innovation rotations, and academic curricula, ensuring the next generation of industry professionals is equipped with the latest knowledge and skills.
With this Center, IFF can deliver authentic citrus experiences while addressing technical, regulatory and market-specific challenges across the food, beverage, fragrance and home care sectors.
The center was opened in partnership with Florida Polytechnic University. Can you describe that partnership and how the two institutions plan to work together?
IFF’s partnership with Florida Polytechnic University is a strategic collaboration that combines academic research infrastructure with industry expertise. As Florida Poly’s first industry partner, IFF is helping to establish a research park aimed at fostering innovation, economic development and STEM education. The partnership includes joint research initiatives, student training programs and faculty engagement, creating a dynamic environment for advancing citrus science and technology.
What kinds of citrus are your customers most often seeking? Are lemon, lime and orange still supreme, or are other varieties gaining traction?
Lemon, lime, and orange continue to be the most sought-after citrus varieties. However, there is growing interest in niche and regional options such as yuzu, calamansi, blood orange and pomelo. These varieties are gaining popularity due to their distinctive flavor profiles and appeal in premium and regional markets.
Citrus is also increasingly used as a flavor masker in reformulated beverages, particularly those containing artificial sweeteners. Additionally, upcycled citrus ingredients are becoming more desirable for their sustainability benefits.
The Citrus Innovation Center focuses on applications in food and beverage, fine fragrance, body care, fabric care and home care.Courtesy of IFF
Why was it important for IFF to open a space dedicated entirely to one ingredient category?
Citrus is a strategic pillar across multiple IFF product categories, and we recognized the need for a dedicated space to explore its complexity and innovation potential. The Citrus Innovation Center enables focused research and development, immersive customer experiences, and sensory exploration. This specialization allows IFF to unlock new value in citrus, respond more effectively to market demands and lead the industry in citrus innovation.
How is the Citrus Innovation Center addressing supply chain uncertainties within this market?
To mitigate supply chain risks, the Citrus Innovation Center develops citrus extenders and modulators that reduce reliance on volatile raw materials. It also invests in sustainable sourcing practices and responsible ingredient storytelling. Acting as a command hub for operational coordination and customer engagement, the center enhances resilience and transparency across citrus supply chains.
What do you see as the next "big thing" in the citrus market in the next 5-10 years?
The citrus market is poised to evolve through digitally enabled flavor design, where AI and sensory science converge to create personalized citrus experiences. There is also increasing interest in citrus applications for health-focused products, particularly within the emerging GLP-1 consumer segment. Regional flavor preferences and sustainability will continue to drive innovation, with new citrus varieties and delivery formats gaining prominence.
What are IFF's overall goals for the Citrus Innovation Center?
IFF’s overarching goals for the Citrus Innovation Center are to establish itself as the global leader in citrus innovation, deliver sustainable and authentic citrus solutions, and foster collaborative partnerships with academia and industry. The Center is designed to drive scientific advancement, support customer success and build a holistic citrus ecosystem that fuels growth and innovation across the value chain.
