Ryan Completes Global Citrus Innovation Center at Florida Polytechnic University

We’re excited to announce the completion of the International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. (IFF)’s Global Citrus Innovation Center at Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland, Florida. The 30,000-square-foot, single-story facility will serve as IFF’s research and development hub and was developed, designed, constructed and now managed by Ryan. 

“The completion of the Global Citrus Innovation Center highlights our ongoing commitment to advancing the life sciences and higher education sectors,” said JP Bacariza, our senior vice president and Tampa market leader. “Our comprehensive involvement throughout the project enabled us to approach the facility with a holistic vision, ensuring that cutting-edge design and innovation were embedded at every stage with IFF’s mission in mind.” 

Designed to seamlessly integrate with Florida Poly’s campus, the center sets new benchmarks in architectural excellence and sustainability. Its signature ribbon-like structure is inspired by scent-mapping techniques, emulating how fragrances move through the air. The facility combines a laboratory environment with biophilic design elements, incorporating preserved plantings, sustainable materials and advanced computational design. Meeting LEED Silver standards, the center fosters innovation while enhancing the workplace environment with natural inspiration, supporting groundbreaking research in citrus-related scents and flavors. 

IFF will use the best-in-class center to support global citrus research and development. The center includes sensory and experience venues, research labs, processing and analytical departments, a fully equipped citrus garden and amenities for hosting customers and partners. 

“Our new space is thoughtfully designed to support our mission of driving groundbreaking, sustainable innovations on a global scale,” said Karel Coosemans, VP, Citrus Innovation, IFF. “With dedicated sensory and experience venues, cutting-edge laboratories and advanced processing areas, this space will enable our teams to collaborate more efficiently and push the boundaries of sustainable flavor and fragrance innovation. Ryan Companies has been an outstanding partner in bringing this vision to life.”