Nestlé opens new R&D centre in Dongguan, China

Swiss food giant Nestlé has officially opened its new research and development (R&D) centre in Dongguan, Guangdong province, China.

The new R&D centre will be involved in research on confectionery and ice cream, in order to develop more high-quality products for consumers across Asia.

Nestlé noted that the centre will build on its global R&D strength in confectionery and ice cream, and will support its partnership with Hsu Fu Chi.

In July 2011, Nestlé’s entered into an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Singapore-listed confectionery manufacturer Hsu Fu Chi, as part of its strategy to generate over 45% of its revenue from emerging markets by 2020.

Hsu Fu Chi manufactures sugar confectionery, cereal-based snacks, packaged cakes and the traditional Chinese snack sachima, and operates four large-scale factories in China.

The deal was approved by the Chinese government in December 2011, further strengthening Nestlé’s R&D capabilities in confectionery.

Commenting on the opening of the new centre, Nestlé R&D global head Johannes Baensch said: "The establishment of Nestlé Dongguan R&D Centre will further our understanding of Chinese consumers, ingredients and local cuisine, and provide scientific and technological expertise to the rest of the business in Asia and around the world."

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Image: Nestlé has opened its third R&D centre in China. Photo courtesy of Nestlé.