US-based International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) has opened a new innovation centre for its Taste division in Dubai, UAE.

Located in Dubai Science Park, the new 1,400m² facility will offer flavours, savoury solutions, food protection solutions, inclusions, colours, and juice-based compounds.

The company noted that its new lab will support the creation and application requirements of snacks, savoury, sweet, dairy and beverage manufacturers.

IFF Taste Divisional CEO Kathy Fortmann said: “The new facility is a testament to our commitment to investing in the region and to support the specific innovation needs of our customers, leveraging dedicated leadership and cross-functional regional resources.

“It will support our ongoing strategy to expand our geographic and customer reach while accelerating growth in fast-growing emerging markets.”

The facility will also feature a full-scale Sensory and Consumer Insights lab and an analytical lab.

By opening its new LEED-certified facility in Dubai, IFF aims to meet the needs of its customers in Africa, the Middle East, Turkey, and India.

IFF vice-president and regional general manager Helga Moelschl said: “With our investment in the Dubai Creative Center, we are reaching a key milestone to provide enhanced and locally relevant support for our regional customer base through strong consumer insights, deep understanding of the consumer in these exciting markets, and speed-to-market.

“Our customers will also gain access to our global Re-Imagine innovation programmes, which will bring global capabilities to the local markets. We are committed to raising the bar on the products and services we provide to meet our customers’ needs – both for now and in the future.”

In 2011, IFF opened a flavour and fragrance facility in Dubai with creative and application labs, as well as sales and marketing offices. The latest investment is said to be the company’s second in Dubai.

In January 2018, IFF started construction works for its flavours and fragrances facility at Sri City, Andhra Pradesh, India.