Univar Solutions Launches Cutting-Edge Food Innovation Kitchen in Germany
Univar Solutions is bolstering its commitment to the european food industry with the opening of a new, state-of-the-art food kitchen – Foodology by Univar Solutions – at its Solution Center in Essen, Germany. This investment aims to drive product innovation and provide collaborative solutions for both customers and suppliers across Europe.
The Essen kitchen is designed as a rapid development hub, equipped with advanced technology and expert personnel capable of formulating across diverse categories, including bakery & confectionery, dairy & prepared foods, and the rapidly growing plant-based protein and meat alternative sectors.
“Our new test kitchen is where science, creativity, and industry expertise converge,” explains Rob Whitney, VP of Marketing and Innovation at Univar Solutions. “We’re focused on partnering with our customers to develop practical ingredient solutions that truly resonate with today’s consumers.”
The facility will specifically address key formulation challenges facing food manufacturers, including:
* Plant-Based & Clean Label: Developing vegan and minimalist products with appealing taste, texture, and stability.
* Nutritional Fortification: Successfully incorporating high levels of fiber or protein without sacrificing flavor or mouthfeel.
* Reduction Strategies: Reducing sugar and fat content while maintaining product enjoyment and consumer appeal.
Strategically located in Essen, germany, the kitchen benefits from the country’s central position, offering an efficient logistical and distribution network for scaling food businesses throughout Europe.
aaron Lee, Global VP of Health & Nutrition for Univar Solutions, emphasizes the opportune timing of this launch. “The European market is ripe for innovation,driven by increasing consumer demand for clean label ingredients,plant-based options,and sustainable food choices.”
Ultimately, the new kitchen is intended to empower food technologists to create groundbreaking products that are not only delicious but also healthy, nutritious, and sustainable.