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To support the innovation of next-generation, protein-forward foods from concept to commercialisation
US-based firm ADM, a global leader in human and animal nutrition, has announced the signature of a joint venture agreement with Marel, a leading provider of advanced food processing solutions, to build an innovation centre in the heart of the Netherlands food valley at the Wageningen Campus. Subject to regulatory approvals, the centre is anticipated to open in the second half of 2024.
With customer collaboration at the core, this innovation centre is designed for food manufacturers to work alongside food scientists, extrusion experts and culinary professionals to prototype, manufacture and market new alternative protein products, as well as leverage pilot plant production with novel processing techniques.
Through the centre, ADM and Iceland-based Marel will offer a wide range of opportunities, including trainings and workshops, to inspire next-generation solutions with exemplary sensory experiences, ultimately supporting the increasing consumer demand for a variety of protein offerings.
Jesper Hjortshoj, Vice president of business development at Marel and President of Wenger (a subsidiary of Marel) said, “The centre will use equipment from Marel and Wenger, enabling unique innovation and creation from raw ingredients, through the extrusion process, right up to finished products.”
Until the opening of the new taste and texture innovation centre in 2024, ADM will occupy a temporary laboratory in the Plus Ultra II building, within the grounds of the Wageningen Campus to support customer development projects.
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