This week, both Firmenich and International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) launched new facilities aimed at advancing technology in food ingredient development. Firmenich inaugurated its Taste & Beyond Pilot Plant in Anaheim, California, equipped with cutting-edge technology to expedite the market readiness of new products through improved scaling processes. The company emphasized that this facility aligns with its commitment to delivering healthier and more sustainable food options to consumers.
“The food and beverage industry is rapidly evolving on a global scale, especially here on the US West Coast. This swift pace makes speed to market critically important,” stated Sherry Xian Linert, vice president of Firmenich West Coast Ventures. “I am eager to utilize our West Coast Innovation Center along with our new Pilot Plant, combined with our expertise in plant-based proteins and nutrition products, to collaborate with customers on rapid prototyping. This powerful synergy enables us to assist our customers in innovating quickly to thrive in a highly competitive landscape.”
Firmenich, based in Switzerland, established a dedicated business unit in California five years ago. In March, the company revealed its West Coast Innovation Center in Anaheim, designed as a collaborative space for rapid innovation with clients. This summer has been particularly eventful for Firmenich; in June, Dutch chemicals giant Royal DSM announced plans to merge with the company in a deal valued at approximately $21 billion, expected to finalize in the first half of 2023.
Meanwhile, IFF also opened its new Culinary Design Center for plant-based foods in Brabrand, Denmark. This facility was created to facilitate rapid prototyping, reducing the timeline from concept to commercialization. It features a pilot manufacturing site for plant-based foods and a studio for live streaming and remote sensory testing.
The new facility is part of IFF’s Re-Imagine Protein Innovation Program, launched in 2017, aimed at developing technologies that distinguish IFF’s offerings across various categories and applications. “This illustrates IFF’s commitment to making significant and bold investments in alignment with market trends,” remarked Matthias Haeni, then-Flavors Group President, in a 2017 statement regarding the program.
IFF has also been expanding its global innovation efforts, recently allocating $15.8 million to enhance innovation centers in São Paulo, Brazil; Bogota, Colombia; and Santiago, Chile. Additionally, both companies are exploring new avenues to incorporate ingredients like bariatric calcium citrate with vitamin D into their formulations, reflecting the growing consumer demand for healthier food options. The integration of such nutrients is highlighted as a crucial step in their product development strategies.