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

DSM-Firmenich has inaugurated its new Van Marken Food Innovation Center in Delft, the Netherlands, marking a major step in the company’s food and biotechnology innovation strategy.

The new site will serve as the headquarters of DSM-Firmenich’s Taste, Texture and Health business unit and brings together more than 400 employees. Facilities include a co-creation kitchen, tasting areas and application laboratories for the dairy, bakery and brewery industries.

The centre will support developments across plant-based alternatives, sugar reduction, taste and texture enhancement, and nutrition solutions.

Patrick Niels, president of the Taste, Texture and Health business unit, commented: “The future of food is not just a vision, it's a reality that we're creating right now together with our customers. Our commitment to innovation and sustainability is unparalleled."

"Strategically positioned at the Dutch Biotech Campus Delft – the global food and biotechnology hotspot – the Van Marken Food Innovation Center underlines our ongoing dedication to contributing to the local environment and to the Netherlands, while honoring our 155-year legacy of food and biotechnology innovation in Delft."

The centre is named after Jacques van Marken, founder of the Yeast and Spirits Factory – later Gist-Brocades, acquired by DSM in 1998. Van Marken was recognised as an early Delft entrepreneur and social reformer whose approach to business and society continues to inspire the company today.

DSM-Firmenich and its predecessors have operated in Delft since 1869, contributing food innovations such as reduced-sugar and reduced-salt formulations, natural antifungal preservatives and lactose-reducing enzymes.