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Lakeland Welcomes New Citrus Innovation Center

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News Summary

Lakeland, Florida, is buzzing with excitement as International Flavors and Fragrances, Inc. (IFF) opens its new Citrus Innovation Center in partnership with Florida Polytechnic University. Spanning 30,000 square feet, this facility is set to revolutionize innovations in scent and taste, particularly for citrus products. With a focus on sustainability and community, the center is expected to create around 40 jobs and enhance various applications in food, beverages, and personal care products. This news marks a significant step in IFF’s commitment to both innovation and environmental responsibility.

Lakeland Welcomes New Citrus Innovation Center!

Exciting news has arrived for the vibrant city of Lakeland, Florida! International Flavors and Fragrances, Inc. (IFF) has opened a brand-new Citrus Innovation Center right here, in collaboration with Florida Polytechnic University. This amazing facility is set to change the game when it comes to scent and taste innovations—especially if you’re a fan of all things citrus!

A Glimpse Inside the Center

Spanning an impressive 30,000 square feet, the Citrus Innovation Center is not just any ordinary space; it’s packed with state-of-the-art capabilities for botanical research. With every inch designed for innovation, it aims to leverage IFF’s extensive expertise in natural ingredients, processing, analytics, and product creation for all things fragrant and flavorful. A standout feature of the center is a 360-degree digital immersion room that provides an engaging environment for research and product development.

But what does this mean for everyday folks? The center is set to enhance applications in various areas such as food and beverage, fine fragrances, body care, and even fabric and home care. So, whether you’re sipping a refreshing drink or enjoying your favorite scented candle, you might just have this innovative facility to thank!

A Sustainable Approach

With sustainability at the forefront of its mission, the center has achieved LEED silver certification, which is no small feat! It’s equipped with a solar array system designed to meet its entire power demand. Plus, the center utilizes both well and reclaimed water for irrigation, showcasing a strong commitment to energy-saving practices and comprehensive recycling programs. This means that as they create innovative products, they are also caring for our planet!

Job Creation and Community Impact

The opening of the Citrus Innovation Center is not just about innovation; it’s also expected to create around 40 new jobs for the community, with hopes for future growth and opportunities for professional development. That’s a win-win for Lakeland residents!

Expansion Moves: Hello Mexico City!

Tecnoparque business complex. This ambitious move will support up to 650 employees in various business sectors, including health and biosciences, scent, taste, and food ingredients. Talk about going global!

Collaboration is Key

Slated for completion in 2026, the Mexico City hub aims to focus on innovative partnerships and product development, ensuring that IFF remains at the cutting edge of flavors and fragrances. One of their goals is to collaborate with local citrus growers and assist in acquiring new harvest machinery designed to boost yield and profitability. This collaboration could open new doors for agricultural advancements in the region!

Academic Partnerships in Citrus Studies

Back in Lakeland, there’s even more potential brewing! Florida Polytechnic University is considering establishing a dedicated citrus curriculum to leverage the data coming from the Citrus Innovation Center for academic purposes. This could be a fantastic way to engage students in hands-on learning experiences while contributing to the wider world of research and innovation.

A Flavorful Celebration

To mark the grand opening of the center, guests were treated to an array of citrus-flavored products, showcasing just how much the new center is focused on flavor innovation. Who knew there could be so many delicious ways to enjoy citrus?

With all eyes on Lakeland and the exciting expansion to Mexico City, it looks like the world of flavors and fragrances is about to get a lot more zesty!