Lakeland's history is steeped in the citrus industry. Now its future will be too, thanks to International Flavors & Fragrances' (IFF) newly opened Citrus Innovation Center. We got a look inside this facility that's bridging the gap between science + creativity, and it was a feast for the senses.

Sight

The Citrus Innovation Center is located on Florida Polytechnic University's campus, and its futuristic building fits right in with the school's contemporary design. Stepping inside felt like being transported to EPCOT at Walt Disney World — but with a touch of Lakeland flair thanks to a mural by local artist Gillian Fazio. The 30,000-sqft center will be a hub for IFF's research into all things citrus, from replicating a tangerine's scent on a molecular level to upcycling discarded orange peels for chocolate bars.

With the citrus industry facing difficulties over the last few decades, sustainability is also a key part of IFF's mission. "The Citrus Innovation Center embodies our unwavering dedication to innovation," said CEO Erik Fyrwald in a statement, "and our commitment to creating enduring external partnerships that help us to bring leading solutions to our customers while doing more good for people and planet.”

Lakeland muralist Gillian Fazio lent her talents to the building, with her work inspired by the science of scent maps. | Photo by LALtoday

Taste

IFF works with companies around the world to create flavors for products that you likely eat every day, plus many innovative creations. We tried a Creamsicle-flavored ice cream that was dreamy and refreshing. Then the scientists dropped the bomb that it was flavored without any actual orange or vanilla in an effort to keep it sustainable when citrus supplies are low. We were shocked at how good it tasted.

Smell

Expert flavorists + perfumers have a nose for what smells best. They'll perfect their formulas in the Citrus Innovation Center's cutting-edge labs, and then share those with the businesses they work with. Fragrances developed here can be used in anything from perfume to shampoo to cleaning products, and we left with a scent crafted by VP Senior Perfumer Yves Cassar.

Does sweeter orange juice make you happier? IFF will use experiential research like this to test the most successful flavor profiles in different regions. | Photo by LALtoday

Sound

The immersive Observatory will be used to stimulate all the senses as test subjects consume a citrus product. We didn't mind being guinea pigs for this one as we tried drinks topped with smoke bubbles, surrounded by a 360-degree screen playing smile-inducing images + upbeat music created just for this facility. Yes, Marie Kondo, it really did spark joy.

Touch

While these experiences were just opening day fun, you can still expect to see the Citrus Innovation Center's fingerprints on Lakeland and the Central Florida citrus industry going forward.

Its proximity to Florida Poly was no accident, according to school CFO Allen Bottorff, who said students, faculty, and scientists will get a chance to work alongside each other. "The mission of IFF is to create something in Florida, in the citrus industry," Bottorff said. "So that's at the heart of what we do. That's where our students are. It's where we work."

Moreover, the center will have 40 local employees, plus a steady stream of researchers visiting from all around the world to gain the expertise only found here in Lakeland. Orange you glad the citrus industry is getting another boost?