Nestlé is upgrading its research and development (R&D) facilities in Singapore, which is used to develop innovative products and technologies for South East Asia for both Nestlé’s retail and out-of-home business.
The R&D centre, which is also celebrating its 40th anniversary, sits in the heart of a vibrant innovation ecosystem, enabling strong collaborations with innovation partners, research institutions, and start-ups across the region.
To further strengthen the centre’s innovation capabilities, Nestlé upgraded the R&D facilities to feature state-of-the-art labs, experimental kitchens, consumer testing, sensory evaluations rooms, open working spaces, as well as Nestlé’s fundamental research hub.
The upgraded facilities also include a new regional R&D Accelerator, part of Nestlé’s global R&D Accelerator network. It provides a world-class platform for start-ups, students, and Nestlé employees in the region to develop and test novel concepts in under six months. They will have access to Nestlé’s R&D expertise, co-working spaces, and small to medium-scale production equipment to facilitate the rapid upscaling of products for a test launch in real market conditions.
Chris Johnson, Chief Executive Officer for Zone Asia, Oceania and Sub-Saharan Africa for Nestlé says Nestlé scientists ensure that products are tailored to local consumer preferences, taste and nutritional requirements.
“All food is local. If you want to be successful in our business, you need a good understanding of the flavours people love, the dishes they want to serve to their families, the food trends they want to try. That’s why it’s so important to have a research and development team in Singapore, here in the heart of South East Asia, a centre of excellence driving innovation and product development in Asia, for Asia.”
Thomas Hauser, Head of Global Product and Technology Development for Nestlé says the Singapore R&D centre has a long history of developing innovative products inspired by cultural diversity and different local cuisines.
“Upgrading the centre with state-of-the-art facilities including the new R&D Accelerator is proof of our long-term commitment to the region. We will also be able to respond to food and beverage trends and challenges more quickly and efficiently.”
Over the years, the R&D centre has contributed significantly to the innovation of many products across brands such as coffee mixes, powdered beverages such as Milo, culinary products, plant-based foods and beverages and ice-cream.
For example, using its expertise in coffee creamers innovation, local experts developed a range of great-tasting, creamy Nescafé Gold non-dairy lattes in only eight months, which are now available in more than 20 countries. This expertise was also leveraged for the launch of Starbucks plant-based Silky Soy Latte and Toasted Oat Lattes.
R&D Singapore experts also support the development of plant-based meal solutions for both retail and out-of-home for the Harvest Gourmet brand. They ensure that products are adapted for Asian consumers, using local cuisine applications such as dumplings, stir fry, braising, katsudon, and more.
The R&D centre in Singapore is part of Nestlé’s global R&D organisation, which consists of 23 locations around the world.