Ryan Companies Completes Global Citrus Innovation Center at Florida Polytechnic University

The 30,000-square-foot facility provides state-of-the-art research, batch processing, office and community space for International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. (IFF)

Ryan Companies US, Inc., a national commercial real estate solutions provider, today announced the completion of the IFF Global Citrus Innovation Center at Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland, Fla. The 30,000-square-foot, single-story facility will serve as IFF’s research and development hub and was developed, designed, constructed and 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, senior vice president and Tampa market leader at Ryan Companies. “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.”

For more information, visit ryancompanies.com/.

About Ryan Companies
Founded in 1938, Ryan Companies offers comprehensive commercial real estate services as a national developer, designer, builder, capital markets advisor and real estate manager. Ryan’s work spans a wide range of sectors and product types including healthcare, industrial, mission critical, mixed-use, multifamily, office, retail, and senior living. Built on the foundation of integrity, honesty and community, Ryan has grown to over 1,700 team members in 17 offices and has completed projects in nearly every state. For more information, visit ryancompanies.com.