The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Kerry Group has inaugurated a €20 million site in Tumkur, India, as it looks to expand its research and innovation efforts.

Located 120km from Bangalore, the 40,600-square-metre facility will serve Kerry Taste & Nutrition’s customers in Southwest Asia, with Kerry Taste and Beverage systems for the retail and foodservice markets.

Kerry said the inauguration marks its fourth significant investment in India and supports 150 new jobs in factory management and production, with further expansion and an additional 150 jobs planned when running at full capacity in the future.

"Our Tumkur facility will enable Kerry to offer a broader range of technologies, and more comprehensive scientific research and innovation and application expertise across Kerry’s Taste & Beverage systems, to our customers with unrivalled speed," said Scott Scharinger, Kerry VP and general manager, Southwest Asia.

Kerry stressed that the Tumkur facility supports its ambition for sustainable production. The site is equipped with energy efficient LED technology and maximises natural light to reduce energy consumption.

The plant has been constructed with capacity to deliver more of its future energy needs from renewable sources.

Water harvesting measures reduce water intake and the site will deliver “significant water efficiencies”, with wastewater treated and reused on site. The facility also operates as zero waste to landfill, with waste volumes segregated and sent for recycling and recovery of resources.

The site was officially opened by Ireland's ambassador to India, Brian McElduff, who said: “The investment serves as a welcome vote of confidence in India, and further supports growing business relations and bilateral trade between the two countries.”

In December, Kerry announced the acquisition of two US businesses for a total of €325 million, in a move to strengthen its foodservice positioning.

The firm reached an agreement to buy Ariake USA, the North American business of Ariake Japan Co, and Southeastern Mills’ North American coatings and seasonings business.