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Siân Yates

Siân Yates

14 January 2025

Pioneer Group launches food and drink incubator at Colworth Science Park

Pioneer Group launches food and drink incubator at Colworth Science Park

Pioneer Group has announced the establishment of a new food and drink incubator named 'Gastronomica,' set to open in the first quarter of 2025.


This facility aims to support emerging businesses in the food and beverage sector by providing state-of-the-art resources and fostering collaboration among innovators.


Located within the prestigious Colworth Science Park, which is also home to Unilever’s Global R&D Innovation Centre, Gastronomica will occupy 16,000 square feet in the Magniac building.


The facility is undergoing significant refurbishment to create a shared laboratory equipped with advanced technology, including microbiology suites, centrifugation systems and chromatography equipment, all donated by Unilever.


The facility will facilitate connections between startups and established players like Unilever, potentially integrating them into existing supply chains.


Simon Hoad, executive director at Pioneer, said that Gastronomica will serve as more than just a laboratory; it will be a vibrant environment for education and innovation. Plans include hosting workshops, lectures and sensory experiences to engage businesses and encourage knowledge sharing.



The collaboration with Unilever is expected to enhance the resources available to startups, fostering an ecosystem conducive to innovation in food and drink. Julie Merrick, R&D site leader at Unilever, remarked on the importance of this initiative for promoting creativity and collaboration among emerging companies.


Merrick commented: "This new facility will not only provide excellent resources for start-ups but also foster collaboration and creativity among emerging and growing businesses. Together with Pioneer Group, we are creating a vibrant hub that will drive the future of food and drink innovation and broaden the eco-system right here at Colworth Science Park.”


Symrise, a key player in the food ingredients sector, has also expressed support for the incubator. Boris Brands, technical director for the UK and Ireland at Symrise, added: "The footprint on site has always been impressive, but the opening of Gastronomica will take things to a whole new level. The options and opportunities we will have at our disposal will elevate our set-up and we look forward to making full use of this amazing new resource.”


#PioneerGroup #Unilever #Symrise #incubator #UK

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