Italian chocolate manufacturer Ferrero has opened a new innovation hub in Singapore, the company’s first such facility in Asia, in a bid to develop new products.
The centre will house innovation functions in the areas of health and nutrition, new raw materials and product research and development, consumer insight, and foresight activities.
The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), a government agency for planning strategies to shape the future of the county’s economy, will support the centre with its experts in food science, biotechnology, nutrition, consumer insights, material science and design.
Ferrero CEO Giovanni Ferrero said: “Innovation has always been a core value for Ferrero; our products are the result of a strong passion for quality and research.
“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.”
Ferrero said its decision to place the site in Singapore was motivated by its strategic location in Asia and its prominent role within the global scientific research community.
The company claimed the innovative environment and diverse Asian consumer demographics will offer the ideal platform for experimenting with new technologies and raw materials to develop new products ‘in a market of strategic importance’.
EDB chairman Dr Beh Swan Gin 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. We look forward to having Ferrero work with partners in Singapore to develop unique product offerings.”
Ferrero has 22 production plants around the world and some of its brands include Ferrero Rocher, the Kiner line and Nutella.
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