Due to begin in the first quarter of 2004, construction of the 'Culinary & Bakery Center' at the company's existing North America regional Creative Center in South Brunswick, New Jersey, is expected to be completed by the end of 2004.
"Certain trends from general market research indicates that there are lots of growth opportunities in these areas," Jan Little at IFF told FoodNavigator.com.
According to the flavours company, the new facility will help 'to better support customers' product development programmes in the retail market', as well as linking up with its increased focus on foodservice.
"IFF is committed to developing the highest quality flavours that create marketplace success for its customers," said IFF's Jim Dunsdon, senior vice president, global business development, flavors and fragrances.
The Culinary & Bakery Center will act as the North American headquarters for IFF's global Culinessence programme, which unites teams of chefs from around the world to deliver 'authentic culinary taste through cutting-edge flavour technology'.
A new report from market research company Freedonia estimates that the market demand for flavours and fragrances in the US will reach $4.4 billion (€3.4bn) by 2007 on the back of an increasing consumer desire for natural ingredients, combined with a growing interest in more complex and authentic flavours.