US-headquartered flavour business IFF has reported an expansion of its innovation capabilities with two new advanced labs at its European site in Braband, Denmark, writes Neill Barston.

As the group, which has notable confectionery, snacks and bakery applications explained, its latest updated facilities, which are part of an existing 312,150 square foot location operating since the 1960s, will expand its sweet and culinary ranges across its portfolio.

According to the company, the newly developed innovation hub is home to more than 400 employees engaged in research, application development, ingredient and flavour creation, which will enable local and regional manufacturers to work in close partnership with a new team of flavorists who will introduce the latest modulation technologies and develop solutions for the beverage, bakery, dairy, snacks, culinary, bars and confectionery end markets.

Working with an extensive library of proprietary ingredients for the segment, they will create exciting and unique flavour experiences for consumers, especially in areas such as masking, sweetness and umami.

Following the completion of the Culinary Design Centre last summer in Denmark, the opening of the new labs is the company’s latest investment in R&D to develop winning solutions that meet customer and market needs with speed, agility and creativity. ​

“This expanded facility is a testament to our continued investment in innovation to meet evolving consumer expectations,” said Jan Bechtel, regional president of Nourish Europe, IFF. “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.”

Expert flavorists will have access to IFF’s latest research innovations, particularly in plant-based and biotechnology, along with resources like pilot plant manufacturing, ingredient expertise and evaluation studios, creating the perfect environment for end-to-end product design.

“We’re thrilled to launch these flavour labs,” said Laurens Reiber, creative director, Nourish Europe, IFF. “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.”

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