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Kerry Group has inaugurated a new office and research, development and applications (RD&A) facility in Jakarta, Indonesia, signalling a strategic investment in the region's growing food innovation landscape.

The facility, located in RDTX Place, Kuningan, spans 1,200 square metres and is designed to enhance collaboration with local customers while accelerating the development of sustainable food solutions.

The new RD&A facility features specialised labs for flavour creation and application, a sensory suite for product testing, and a co-creation lab intended for joint development projects with clients. This investment is aligned with Indonesia's 'Making Indonesia 4.0' initiative, which aims to bolster the food and beverage sector as a key driver of economic growth.

Janeley Haryono, general manager of Kerry Indonesia, noted the facility's role in fostering direct collaboration with customers, allowing for quicker innovation cycles that cater to local tastes and preferences. He said: "With customers collaborating directly with us, we're enabling faster innovation and delivering solutions that are not only healthier but rooted in local preferences and ingredients".

This approach is crucial as Indonesia's food and beverage industry continues to contribute significantly to the national economy, accounting for 7.15% of GDP in the first half of 2024, with expectations for steady growth despite rising costs and regulatory challenges.

Siddharth Rastogi, retail, meat and marketing lead for Kerry Southeast Asia, commented: "Indonesia's central location enables greater proximity to our key markets – allowing us to be closer to our regional customers to develop solutions together that are agile and relevant to rapidly shifting market dynamics. We're excited to be a hub of food innovation excellence for the industry, helping to shape the future of food and beverage in the region."

The facility is part of a broader expansion strategy that includes existing manufacturing plants in Cikarang and Karawang, the latter being Kerry's largest greenfield investment in Southeast Asia.

The new Jakarta facility also reflects Kerry's commitment to sustainability, currently undergoing LEED Gold certification. It incorporates energy-efficient technologies and sustainable materials, aligning with global trends toward environmental responsibility in food production.

Ireland's ambassador to Indonesia, H.E. Pádraig Francis, who attending the opening of the facility, added: "The opening of Kerry's new RD&A lab marks a significant milestone in Ireland's economic engagement with Indonesia. It reflects a shared vision of innovation, collaboration and sustainability."

He continued: "Kerry's growing presence supports Indonesia's aspirations in health, nutrition and industrial development, and stands as part of a proud legacy of Irish companies contributing to inclusive, long-term progress in the region".

This expansion positions Kerry as a key player in shaping the future of F&B innovation in Southeast Asia, catering to a population projected to exceed 281 million by 2025, with an increasing demand for nutritious and locally relevant food solutions.