Conagra Brands to build snacking innovation centre in Chicago, US

US-based food company Conagra Brands has announced plans to build a snacking innovation centre called The Conagra Brands Center for Food Design in Chicago, Illinois.

To be located next to the company’s headquarters in The Merchandise Mart, the 40,000ft² innovation centre is an expansion of the company’s research, development and culinary centre.

Conagra Brands executive vice-president and co-chief operating officer Tom McGough said: “Conagra Brands’ $2bn snacks business is one of the largest and fastest-growing in the food industry.

“Our strong snacking portfolio is positioned for long-term growth and we expect the capabilities in this new facility to enable us to create even more innovative products that our consumers will love.”

Scheduled to open in the first quarter of next year, the facility will combine culinary, food and packaging design expertise.

Additionally, the Conagra Brands Center for Food Design will employ nearly 50 staff members, including food and packaging designers, as well as members of the company’s culinary team.

Conagra Brands research and development senior vice-president Corey Berends said: “The Conagra Brands Center for Food Design in Chicago will be a fresh, collaborative space with state-of-the-art capabilities to provide our talented team with the right resources to help grow Conagra’s snacking business.

“In addition, the expansive kitchen and tasting area will be an ideal place to collaborate with our customers and develop new food solutions.”

The company noted that it will continue to operate The Center for Food Design and Technology in Omaha, Nebraska.

The centre will focus on Conagra’s frozen, refrigerated, shelf-stable meals, as well as condiments and enhancers.

Furthermore, Omaha will remain the research hub for the company’s development teams engaged in food safety and technology.

Last month, Conagra Brands announced that it is planning to take initiatives in its supply chain sourcing practices to implement better standards for the treatment of broiler chickens.

The company partnered with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) for achieving its goals.