ICAR-CCRI, Nagpur signs MoU with Givaudan India to explore natural flavours and fragrances

The ICAR–Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Givaudan (India) Private Limited, a global leader in flavours, fragrances, and active cosmetic ingredients

The MoU was signed by Dr Dilip Ghosh, Director, ICAR-CCRI, and Pradeep Khurana, Marketing Head – South Asia, Taste & Wellbeing, Givaudan India, at ICAR-CCRI, Nagpur.

Givaudan India, known for its pioneering work in citrus-derived flavours, fragrances, and active ingredients, has partnered with ICAR-CCRI to receive scientific and field-based consultancy support under its flagship Citrus Trek initiative. The programme aims to explore indigenous citrus varieties and characterise their natural aromatic and flavour compounds for developing high-value products.

Under the consultancy collaboration, scientists from ICAR-CCRI and experts from Givaudan will jointly conduct field visits to major citrus-growing regions during key phenological stages. These include the Ambia bahar fruit harvesting season of Nagpur mandarin, the harvesting period of Khasi mandarin in North-East India, and the flowering phase of Ambia bahar in Nagpur mandarin. The visits will help in the systematic evaluation of natural flavours, fragrances, and volatiles in selected indigenous citrus types.

Dr Dilip Ghosh, Director, ICAR-CCRI, stated that the initiative will enable the exploration of the “delightful natural flavour and aroma profiles of Nagpur and Khasi mandarins,” facilitating their use in premium essential oils, flavours, fragrances, and value-added products. He further noted that the collaboration would strengthen India’s citrus-based processing sector and help reduce dependence on imported flavour and fragrance ingredients. “This unique initiative has the potential to significantly enhance the commercial prospects of Indian citrus by positioning it in the global high-value aromatic ingredient market,” he added.