Italian confectionery company Ferrero, which produces brands such as Nutella and Kinder chocolate, has opened its first Asian innovation centre in Singapore.
The new innovation centre will house several strategic innovation functions in the areas of health and nutrition, raw materials, product research and development, consumer insight and forecasting activities.
A multidisciplinary team of experts in food science, biotechnology, nutrition, consumer insights, material science and design will engage with the local ecosystem in Singapore to foster the innovation process.
"Innovation has always been a core value for Ferrero," said CEO Giovanni Ferrero. "The Singapore innovation centre will support Ferrero in its continuous pursuit of cutting edge technological solutions to offer our consumers the best quality products that provide always new taste dimensions."
Strategic Location
Ferrero says that the decision to establish an innovation centre in Singapore was motivated by its strategic location in Asia and its prominent role within the global scientific research community, which includes the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and a number of universities.
According to the company, Singapore represents a 'dynamic and innovative environment where scientific talent and resources combine with diverse Asian consumer demographics'.
Dr Beh Swan Gin, chairman of the Singapore Economic Development Board, said, "Ferrero’s decision to establish its first global innovation centre in Asia, in Singapore, reflects the significance of the rapidly expanding consumer markets in Asia, and underscores Singapore's position as the region’s leading food and nutrition hub".
Ferrero is already present in Asia with two production plants in China and India.
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine
