Swiss food giant Nestlé has invested CHF 80 million (€83.4 million) in opening a new factory in Surčin, Serbia, dedicated to plant-based food production.
Sitting next to the company's existing facility, Nestle's new factory in Serbia will span over 18,440 square metres, the company added.
The facility will focus on the production of meals from the Garden Gourmet range that cater to both dietary needs and environmental responsibility. These plant-based alternatives complement balanced diets and provide option for fasting days.
Nestlé plans to source ingredients locally, supporting Serbian soy producers and strengthening ties within the community.
Regenerative Agriculture
Additionally, a partnership established in 2022 with a local soy protein supplier is transitioning farmers to regenerative agricultural practices, promoting healthy ecosystems and sustainable land management.
The new factory prioritises environmental responsibility, using renewable hydroelectric power, eliminating municipal waste generation, and treating all wastewater on-site through a dedicated facility.
During the construction process, recycled packaging materials from Nestlé products like soups and mayonnaise were used for insulation panels.
The opening of the new factory is seen as a response to the growing demand for healthy and eco-friendly food options, the food giant added.
'Sustainable Production'
Marjana Davidović, director of Nestlé for Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, stated, “We continue to improve food production technology and educate local suppliers and their producers through our regenerative agriculture programme to support more sustainable production of raw materials in Serbia. By expanding our plant-based range one step at a time, we are working to shape a more sustainable future for everyone.”
Alessandro Zanelli, Nestlé's market director for Southeast Europe, added, "With the new factory, Serbia becomes an important centre for the production of plant-based food, not only in Southeast Europe but on the entire continent.
"Also, Serbia has become a regional pioneer in the application of the principles of regenerative agriculture at Nestlé, which is not only our priority but also a way to respond to climate change and protect our environment."
