IFF opens Centre of Excellence for Food Service and Seasonings

US-based flavours and fragrances producer IFF has opened a new research facility: the Centre of Excellence for Food Service and Seasonings, in Carrollton, Texas.

IFF expects the new site, located near the company’s existing facility, to greatly expand its ability to provide innovative offerings to its customers, and commented that it represents a “significant investment into its food service strategy, as well as its value-add seasonings and savoury solutions”.

IFF Taste CEO Matthias Haeni said: “With last year’s acquisition of Frutarom, our teams have been working to leverage the increased offerings, such as colours, inclusions, nutritional ingredients and natural food protection, to the benefit of our customers. The new site, with more space, state-of-the-art culinary equipment, and a beautiful customer co-creation space, will allow us to bring more of our resources to the fore and greatly expand innovation in this strategic area of growth.”

In May last year, IFF acquired its flavours rival Frutarom for $7.1 billion, in a move designed to provide the opportunity to expand into fast-growing categories such as natural colours, enzymes, antioxidants and health ingredients. At the time of the deal, IFF estimated that the combined business would have revenues of $5.3 billion.

IFF has had a presence in Carrollton since its acquisition of Bush Boake Allen (BBA) in 2000, when the original site catered primarily to more locally-based customers. The former BBA facility will be used as an expanded manufacturing site. With the additional space, equipment, and capabilities, and leveraging its central location, IFF foresees growing its customer base in the US.

“The new Carrollton site presents an exciting opportunity for IFF to create a physical manifestation of our Re-Imagine Culinary program,” said Carmen Cain, regional general manager, Taste, North America. “We are committed to answering the consumer call for Home-Cooked, Healthy Convenience, and Snacking-as-the-new-Mealtime trends and providing our customers with incredible opportunities to experience the full spectrum of IFF’s offerings.”