Nestlé has announced it will transfer its Chocolate Centre of Excellence in Switzerland to the UK as the company aims to “improve the speed and agility of global innovation”.
Opened in 2009 in the municipality of Broc, the plant was Nestlé’s first research and development facility entirely dedicated to the development of premium and luxury chocolate.
In May, the facility will move to the company’s Product Technology Centre (PTC) in York, with Nestlé ensuring that all 25 employees will keep a job.
A spokesperson said that some will be transferred to York, some stay in Broc and others will be transferred to other positions within Nestlé. Following the transition, the Borc site will “support chocolate activities in Europe, Middle East and North Africa”.
The York PTC facility is Nestlé’s centre of excellence for chocolate, sugar confectionery and biscuits, focusing on lighter eating, luxury gifting and popularly positioned products. It currently employs between 150 and 200 people, including engineers, confectioners, technicians and nutritionists.
At the heart of the PTC is the pilot plant, a miniature factory which simulates manufacturing processes on a smaller scale. Here the company looks at the development of new equipment and technologies and of new or reformulated products.
In its nine-year history, the Broc Chocolate Centre of Excellence has brought together chocolate-making professionals and packaging designers. Upon inauguration, Nestlé said the facility was a sign that it sees luxury and premium products as one of its key strategic areas with above-average growth and profit potential over the coming years.
However, in recent years and following investment from hedge fund Third Point last year, Nestlé has been under pressure to adapt its portfolio, by focusing profitable food and beverage categories such as coffee, pet care, infant nutrition and bottled water.
Earlier this week it sold its US confectionery unit to Ferrero for $2.8 billion.
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