Bühler and Givaudan have extended their global partnership to Asia, to build an innovation centre in Singapore dedicated to plant-based food.
Located at Givaudan’s Woodlands site, the new facility will be jointly run and supported by experts from both companies.
The pilot plant will bring together Bühler’s extrusions and processing equipment, and a kitchen and flavour laboratory by Givaudan.
By offering knowledge in their complementary areas, the Swiss companies will welcome food processing companies, start-ups and university researchers looking to develop novel plant-based food products to their centre.
“Companies are increasingly aware of the urgent need to collaborate to make an impact on the climate and nutrition challenges of this century,” said Ian Roberts, CTO of Bühler.
Roberts added: Universities, start-ups, and companies need to come together to innovate and find more sustainable ways to produce food. This is what this innovation centre is all about, and we are pleased we found a like-minded partner to bring this vision to life in Asia, home to half of the world’s population.”
Fabio Campanile, head of science and technology at Givaudan, said: “We are especially excited that this project will take place in Singapore, a diverse country at the heart of Southeast Asia with strong ambitions for the future of food. We see a lot of market potential for plant-based products in the coming years in Asia, in particular, the alternative meat sector.
“Our combined expertise in the development and manufacture of plant-based foods will allow for new ranges that cater to Asia tastes, texture expectations and cooking techniques. The initial focus on extruded products is important as this is a key technology for developing authentic meat alternatives.”
With construction under way, the joint facility is planned to open in Singapore later this year.
In July 2019, Bühler and Givaudan joined forces to accelerate market access for food start-ups in Switzerland with a particular interest in alternative proteins, amongst other fields.
Last November, meanwhile, Givaudan inaugurated a CHF 30 million extension to its Nantong manufacturing facility, in a move to double its flavour production capacity in China and meet consumer demand for healthier products.
By Emma Upshall
Source: FoodBev
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