On April 9, 2025, 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. “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.”
According to the company’s press release, the Citrus Innovation Center will focus on applications in food and beverage, fine fragrance, body care, fabric care and home care. The facility will support approximately 40 jobs with room for expansion in the future.
“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.”
