Firmenich has announced the opening of its Taste & Beyond Pilot Plant in Anaheim, California. The facility hosts a full range of capabilities and equipment designed to enhance collaboration and accelerate speed to market by preparing customers for scaled-up production.
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The plant is part of Firmenich’s commitment to accelerate diet transformation by empowering brands with end-to-end capabilities to create enjoyable eating and drinking experiences that are healthier and more sustainable. It was designed to turn around multiple prototypes and create small-scale application samples in a short period of time for faster product innovation in all product categories, including savory, beverages and nutrition.
Firmenich was also presented with a certificate of special recognition from the United States Congress commemorating the company’s 100+ years’ legacy and values, “(creating) fragrances, flavors and ingredients that that delight the senses by placing values on customers, people, creativity, sustainability and legacy.”
Sherry Xian Linert, VP, Firmenich West Coast Ventures, said, “The food and beverage industry is quickly evolving globally, and at a even faster rate here on the U.S. West Coast. This sheer pace makes speed to market absolutely critical. I’m excited to leverage our West Coast Innovation Center and new Pilot Plant, combined with our expertise in plant-based proteins and nutrition products, to work with customers on rapid prototyping. Together, this powerful combination enables us to help customers innovate quickly to win in a highly competitive market.”
Anaheim’s mayor pro tem Trevor O’Neil said, “I am proud to be here to celebrate the legacy Firmenich has with Anaheim, and I am excited to see the future this company will help bring with meaningful jobs and investment into our city."
Chris Perkins, president and SVP, Taste & Beyond North America, said, “We have long invested in our West Coast operations. Five years ago, we established a dedicated business unit to serve this region’s unique needs through our unparalleled product development expertise, high-performing flavors & taste technology and deep understanding of Human Insights and local market landscape. We have built a solid infrastructure, propelled by an incredibly talented team who have established a strong innovation network. Following the very successful opening of our Innovation Center 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.”
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