The Flavor Creation and Culinary Innovation Center will handle all product development and flavour creation for the companys global operations in the US and Asia.

The company has invested $1.5m to double the laboratory space to 3,100ft².

The expanded lab space will enable the manufacturer to enhance its application, creation, sensory testing and compliance capabilities for natural and organic flavours, as well as finished food development.

The investment has been utilised on labs and offices for quality assurance, quality control, regulatory/product safety, research and development, and new equipment such as a pilot spray dryer and Kardex Remstar high-density storage for flavours and raw materials.

The processing capabilities at the facility include the MicroThermics Steam Injection System with in-line homogenisation and UHT clean-fill to provide a streamlined path to market new food and beverage products.

The new facility offers a collaborative space for Blue Pacific Flavors clients to create clean-label, plant-based, natural and organic food and beverage applications.

Blue Pacific Flavors CEO Donald Wilkes said: "Our vision was to build a world-class innovation centre to be the core of our organisation.

"It is a reflection of the food manufacturing renaissance taking place in southern California and our commitment to meet the needs of a growing organic flavours business."

The company has recruited regulatory and quality control staff and plans to hire additional positions in research and development.

The next investment phase will comprise the acquisition of additional analytical equipment to support enhanced food safety and quality testing.

Headquartered in City of Industry, California, Blue Pacific Flavors develops natural and organic flavour and ingredient solutions for global food and beverage brands.