Nestlé expands R&D facilities in Singapore, marking 40th anniversary

The R&D center in Singapore has played a key role in developing innovative products and technologies for South East Asia and beyond for Nestlé's retail and out-of-home business. Nestlé scientists ensure that products are tailored to local consumer preferences, tastes, and nutritional requirements based on in-house expertise.

The R&D center sits in the heart of a vibrant innovation ecosystem, enabling strong collaborations with innovation partners, research institutions, and start-ups across the region.

Commenting on the R&D Centre in Singapore, Chris Johnson, chief executive officer for Zone Asia, Oceania and Sub-Saharan Africa for Nestlé, says, "All food is local. If you want to be successful in our business, you need a good understanding of the flavors people love, the dishes they want to serve to their families, the food trends they want to try. That's why it's so important to have a research and development team in Singapore, here in the heart of South East Asia, a center of excellence driving innovation and product development in Asia, for Asia."

To further strengthen the center's innovation capabilities, Nestlé upgraded the R&D facilities to feature state-of-the-art labs, experimental kitchens, consumer testing, sensory evaluations rooms, open working spaces, as well as Nestlé's fundamental research hub. This will enable the faster translation of breakthrough science into nutritious, great-tasting products for people across all life stages.

The upgraded facilities also include a new regional R&D Accelerator, part of Nestlé's global R&D Accelerator network. It provides a world-class platform for start-ups, students, and Nestlé employees in the region to develop and test novel concepts in under six months. They will have access to Nestlé's R&D expertise, co-working spaces, and small to medium-scale production equipment to facilitate the rapid upscaling of products for a test launch in real market conditions.

Thomas Hauser, head of Global Product and Technology Development for Nestlé, says, "Our R&D center in Singapore has a long history of developing innovative products for South East Asia that are inspired by the cultural diversity and different local cuisines. Upgrading the center with state-of-the-art facilities, including the new R&D Accelerator, proves our long-term commitment to the region. We will also be able to respond to food and beverage trends and challenges more quickly and efficiently."

Over the years, the R&D center has contributed significantly to the innovation of many products across brands such as coffee mixes, powdered beverages such as Milo, culinary products, plant-based foods and beverages and ice cream.

For example, using its expertise in coffee creamers innovation, local experts developed a range of great-tasting, creamy Nescafé Gold non-dairy lattes in only eight months, which are now available in over 20 countries. This expertise was also leveraged for the launch of Starbucks plant-based Silky Soy Latte and Toasted Oat Lattes.

R&D Singapore experts also support the development of plant-based meal solutions for both retail and out-of-home for the Harvest Gourmet brand. They ensure that products are adapted for Asian consumers, using local cuisine applications such as dumplings, stir fry, braising, katsudon, and more.

The R&D center in Singapore is part of Nestlé's global R&D organization, consisting of 23 locations worldwide. By strengthening the center's capabilities, it can better accelerate the innovation of science-based products across life stages in a way that's good for you and the planet.