IFF Colibri robot delivers quicker, more precise fragrance sampling for customers across Greater Asia
IFF, an American firm that creates products across the likes of scent, nutrition, enzymes, soy proteins, and probiotics categories, has implemented a Colibri robot in its Chin Bee, Singapore production facility. This can produce fragrance sample batches on demand in minutes.
It is claimed that the system handles multiple ingredients simultaneously, operates four times faster and significantly boosts automation. This means more capacity, faster sample delivery and better lead time, with the aim of meeting customer demand for speed in a rapidly evolving fragrance landscape, IFF says.
“The installation of this new automation system at IFF Chin Bee underscores our commitment to continued investment in Greater Asia, one of the fastest growing fragrance markets globally,” says Ramon Brentan, Vice President, Regional General Manager, Greater Asia, Scent. “It strengthens our ability to support demand in the region with enhanced speed, quality and precision.”
The site can now produce 200 sample batches in eight hours, work that used to take 24 hours.
The Chin Bee plant is the latest IFF site to incorporate Colibri. Other locations that use the system include Neuilly, France, and Hilversum, Netherlands. Since opening its $30 million Singapore Innovation Centre, IFF has continued to expand its capabilities in the area - from immersive co-creation spaces to robotics solutions.
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
Automation was a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.
We received a record number of entries and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.
For a full rundown of all of the shortlisted entries, click here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC in Central London on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
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