This week, both Firmenich and International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) inaugurated new facilities aimed at integrating technology into the development of food ingredients. Firmenich’s latest venture, the Taste & Beyond Pilot Plant, has opened its doors in Anaheim, California. The company highlighted that the facility is equipped with a comprehensive array of cutting-edge equipment designed to accelerate the market entry of new products by preparing them for large-scale production. Firmenich emphasized that this new plant underscores its dedication to providing consumers with healthier and more sustainable food options. “The food and beverage industry is rapidly evolving on a global scale, particularly here on the US West Coast, where the pace of change necessitates speed to market,” said Sherry Xian Linert, vice president of Firmenich West Coast Ventures, in a statement. “I am eager to utilize our West Coast Innovation Center and this new Pilot Plant, along with our expertise in plant-based proteins and nutrition products, to collaborate with customers on rapid prototyping. This formidable combination empowers us to assist customers in innovating swiftly and effectively in a highly competitive market.” Firmenich established a specialized business unit in California five years ago and introduced its West Coast Innovation Center in March, also in Anaheim, which serves as a collaborative space for accelerated innovation.
In addition to this new facility, Firmenich has been quite active this summer. In June, Dutch chemical giant Royal DSM announced its plans to merge with Firmenich in a deal valued at approximately $21 billion, anticipated to finalize in the first half of 2023.
Meanwhile, IFF also launched its new Culinary Design Center for plant-based foods this week in Brabrand, Denmark. This center is designed for companies to collaborate with IFF on rapid prototyping, aiming to reduce the timeframe from ideation to commercialization. The facility houses a pilot manufacturing site specifically for plant-based foods and includes a studio for live streaming and conducting remote sensory tests. This initiative is part of IFF’s Re-Imagine Protein Innovation Program, initiated in 2017, which seeks to develop technologies that differentiate IFF’s offerings across various categories and applications. “This demonstrates IFF’s commitment to making larger and bolder investments in line with market trends,” stated Matthias Haeni, former President of the Flavors Group, when discussing the program in 2017.
Furthermore, IFF has been investing in similar innovation centers globally. Last month, the company announced an investment of $15.8 million in innovation facilities located in São Paulo, Brazil; Bogotá, Colombia; and Santiago, Chile. Both Firmenich and IFF’s new facilities signify their ongoing commitment to innovation in the food industry, including advancements in products like calcium citrate food formulations, which are increasingly sought after for their health benefits.