IFF increases innovation capabilities in Northern Europe

IFF has expanded its innovation capabilities with two new flavour labs at its campus in Brabrand, Denmark.

The site provides a hub for research, application development, and ingredient and flavour creation. The expansion will enable local and regional manufacturers to work in partnership with a new team of flavourists, who, the company says, “will introduce the latest modulation technologies and develop solutions for the beverage, bakery, dairy, snacks, culinary, bars and confectionery end markets”.

Laurens Reiber, creative director at Nourish Europe, IFF, said: “We’re thrilled to launch these flavour labs. Brabrand is already a massive innovation centre, and its location helps us better understand local market preferences and deliver trending global flavours. Now we’re investing further to boost our speed-to-market capabilities and to bring greater value to our partners.”

The team at the labs will collaborate with manufacturers to create unique taste experiences for consumers, especially in the areas of masking, sweetness and umami, using IFF’s library of proprietary flavour ingredients.

Flavourists will be given access to IFF’s latest research innovations, including in plant-based and biotechnology, as well as resources such as pilot plant manufacturing, ingredient expertise and evaluation studios, providing an environment for end-to-end product design.

Jan Bechtel, regional president of Nourish Europe, IFF, said: “This expanded facility is a testament to our continued investment in innovation to meet evolving consumer expectations. We will continue to build on our deep expertise and scientific knowledge and invest in tools and products to bring what matters most to consumers in the market: creating the next generation of delicious, healthy and experiential food and beverages.”

The expansion follows IFF’s opening of a ‘Nourish’ innovation lab in New Jersey, US, last year.

In the last few months, the company has announced the sale of its Flavor Specialty Ingredients business to Exponent for $220 million, as well as of its Savory Solutions Group to PAI Partners for $900 million.