Nestlé has announced that it will combine its two research units in order to strengthen its R&D capabilities and accelerate product innovation.
The Nestlé Research Center and the Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences will be merged into a new organisation called Nestlé Research, which will be based in Laussane, Switzerland.
Nestlé says that the merged unit will allow the company to further its efforts in the reduction of sugar, saturated fat and salt from its product portfolio, and allow it to further enhance the nutritional profiles of its products.
The reorganisation will begin on 1 July 2018, and will not result in the closure of any facilities or job losses, according to the company.
Creating more nutritious products in the face of changing consumer attitudes has been one of Nestlé’s core aims over the year, as key figures in the company called for greater focus on health and nutrition at the start of the year.
Work conducted by Nestlé’s research units has helped them move towards this goal, and led to the development of Milkybar Wowsomes earlier this year, which utilises a ‘world-first’ production method which means the bar contains 30% less sugar than similar chocolate bars.
Nestlé CEO Mark Schneider said: “Nestlé’s success is built on meeting fast-changing consumer demand around the world. In this dynamic environment innovation leadership is key to winning in the marketplace.
“Strengthening our discovery research capabilities will give us an edge when it comes to developing the technologies for the next generation of must-have products.”
Paul Bulcke, Nestlé’s chairman added: “Pushing the boundaries in innovation and developing an understanding of the impact of good nutrition on people’s health has been at the core of Nestlé since the very beginning of the company.
“The strengthening of our research organisation will enable us to accelerate insights, discoveries and breakthrough innovations.
“Switzerland’s collaborative research landscape creates the ideal environment for this.”
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024