Nestlé has opened a new extension to its research and development centre in Singapore that will allow greater focus on its fastest-growing markets in the Asia-Pacific region.
The centre, which employs about 100 experts from 17 countries specialised in fields including mechanical engineering, analytical chemistry, microbiology and sensory science, will take the global lead for the company's innovations in Nescafé coffee mixes and Milo powdered beverages.
Nestlé has invested almost CHF 4 million (5.5 million Singapore dollars) in the extension, which will create 20 new jobs in 2013.
Fast-growing markets
"With this investment, our research and development centre in Singapore becomes our leading global R&D centre for Nescafé Coffee Mixes and Milo," said Johannes Baensch, Nestlé's Global Head of Research and Development, at the opening ceremony.
"One of R&D Singapore's main objectives is to ensure that nutrition and health are integral considerations in new product development."
"This will include new formulations and formats, as well as reducing sugar, salt and fat in our products, without compromising taste."
"The products developed here are tailored to meet local tastes, both in this region and in other parts of the world where they are sold."
Nutrition and health
Nestlé established its R&D centre in Singapore in 1980. It was the company's first R&D centre in Asia.
The centre has gained deep expertise in South and Southeast Asian cuisine and cooking techniques through extensive consumer research over the past 30 years."
Today, it is a global and regional training centre for Nestlé's food scientists and engineers.
The centre is also developing its existing expertise in 'biotransformation', which is the use of natural processes such as fermentation to transform raw materials into ingredients that have nutritional or functional benefits for consumers.
Nestlé in Singapore
Nestlé Singapore (Pte) Ltd, established in 1912, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nestlé SA, headquartered in Vevey, Switzerland. With the aim to be the leading Nutrition, Health & Wellness company, our motto "Good Food, Good Life" is to provide consumers, young and old, with the best tasting, most nutritious choices in a wide range of food and beverage categories and eating occasions, from morning to night.
Nestlé's range of products in Singapore include Nescafé, Milo, Maggi, Nespray, Nestlé Omega Plus, Yang Shengle, Kit Kat, Koko Krunch, Honey Stars, Purina, Friskies, and dozens of other trusted brands that are household names and market leaders in their product categories.
Nestlé Singapore actively supports and participates in community and social projects with like-minded organisations including the Health Promotion Board, People's Association, Singapore Sports Council, Singapore Heart Foundation and many others to promote healthy eating and active living.
Over the past century Nestlé has invested heavily in the country, setting up its most comprehensive network of operations in the Asia, Oceania and Africa region.
Today, the company employs more than 1300 people in Singapore. It operates one major factory, in Jurong, home to the company's largest malt extract manufacturing plant in the world. It also has a world-class infant formula manufacturing plant in Tuas.
