Case

IFF Expands Innovation in Denmark, Enhancing Global Sustainability Efforts

Case

IFF Expands Innovation in Denmark, Enhancing Global Sustainability Efforts

International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), a global leader in flavours, fragrances, and specialty ingredients, is expanding its innovation activities in Denmark. Following its 2021 merger with DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences, IFF has strengthened its commitment to sustainability and research. The recent openings of advanced flavour and culinary labs at its Brabrand Innovation Centre highlights IFF's focus on creating sustainable solutions to global food and energy challenges. By leveraging Denmark's leading role in the global ingredient market, IFF is poised to drive innovation and sustainability on a global scale.

When

IFF’s journey in Denmark began with its 2021 merger with DuPont’s Nutrition & Biosciences business, which mainly consisted of the Danish company Danisco that DuPont had acquired in 2011. This union of two food ingredients companies will help solve global challenges, particularly those arising from rapid population growth, with a focus on food and energy.

Biotechnology and specialty food ingredients are key to transforming industries by replacing fossil fuel processes with renewable materials and meeting food & sustainability needs in developed and developing economies.

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Denmark supplies more food ingredients per citizen than any other country in the world. It takes innovative ingredients to meet world demand for safe, healthy and delicious foods. Danish companies have a 14% share of the global ingredient market – exporting as much as 98% of the ingredients they produce.

“Denmark plays a critical function in IFF with two global production sites in Grindsted and Haderslev and our largest R&D and innovation centre for food world-wide. Strengthening our position with state of the art R&D and application lab facilities in Brabrand is critical to further develop our relevance globally now and for the future.”

Niels Riis

IFF, Country Manager, Nordics

400 people dedicated to R&D

IFF has a strong focus on research and development, and has bolstered its position through its Brabrand R&D and Innovation Centre. This hub is a significant part of the food and bio ecosystem in the greater Aarhus region. As IFF’s largest innovation hub globally, it is dedicated to sustainability-focused innovation.

The Brabrand R&D and Innovation centre employs over 400 people dedicated to research, application, development and creation of ingredients, health & bioscience solutions and flavours. The recent expansion will enable local and regional customers to collaborate with a new team of flavourists. In collaboration, they will introduce the latest modulation technologies and develop tailored solutions for a variety of markets, including beverages, bakery, dairy, snacks, culinary, bars, and confectionery.

Dtu and IFf collaboration

Technical University of Denmark (DTU), one of the world's leading universities in biotechnology, and IFF have an innovative collaboration focused on the development of ingredients where sustainability, health, and safety are paramount. This corporate partnership aims to raise the bar in sustainable ingredients and production through creativity, innovation, and science.

Collaboration is a fundamental aspect of Danish business culture, particularly in the food industry. At the heart of the Danish food cluster lies a strong partnership between researchers, companies, and public institutions. This collaborative approach has been instrumental in driving innovation and generating new knowledge, significantly enhancing the international competitiveness of the Danish food sector.

Utilising surplus heat

IFF is strongly dedicated to discover the most innovative sustainable solutions for the industry, and their production facility in Grindsted houses the world’s largest carbon-neutral emulsifier plant. 
The facility utilises its surplus heat for heating 3,700 households in Grindsted, and is a great example of how Denmark's industry and heat supply can work together seamlessly for the benefit of consumers and the environment.

In fact, the Grindsted factory is currently expanding its production and celebrated its 100th anniversary on 24 August 2024. This milestone highlights its enduring dedication to product, people, and planet.

Support from invest in Denmark

Invest in Denmark has supported IFF with various services over the years, fostering a strong relationship.

Our services include: 

  • Benchmarking analysis of the working and frame conditions in Denmark
  • Labour and employment consultancy.
  • Talent attraction. 
  • R&D collaborations.
“Invest in Denmark is delighted to see IFF’s ongoing engagement and development in Denmark. It highlights Denmark’s rich value chain as a sustainable production country as well as R&D opportunities within the food sector.”  

Vanessa Vega Saenz

Director, Invest in Denmark

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IFF Facts

  • With 22,000 employees across 65 countries, offering its expertise and products to a diverse range of markets.
  • More than 110 manufacturing facilities across the globe.
  • 100 R&D centres and 33,000 customers across the world.
  • Danisco > Dupont in 2011 - Dupont > IFF in 2021 IFF employs more than 1000 people in Denmark across four sites.
  • IFF has been recognised as the best place to work for LGBTQ Equality and has earned a global certification from Economic Dividends for Gender Equality.

Get in touch

Want to learn more about biosolutions opportunities in Denmark?

We provide free-of-charge confidential and tailor-made solutions for foreign companies looking to set up a new business in Denmark or expand an existing one. Please contact one of our experts here: 

Copenhagen

  • Sarina Lohmann

    Title: Special Advisor – Maritime and transport – Analysis & Partnerships

    Area: Copenhagen

    Phone: +4533920423

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