Swedish vegetable oils and fats producer AAK has unveiled plans to build a new Plant-based Foods Global Center of Excellence within company’s premises in Zaandijk, the Netherlands.

The construction of the new three-story facility is part of the company’ strategy to enhance its position in the plant-based food segment.

The new facility will feature two pilot plants, one analytical laboratory, a customer experience kitchen, and a sensory suite.

AAK Group president and CEO Johan Westman said: “Investing in this Plant-based Foods Global Center of Excellence reaffirms our commitment to grow our presence in this dynamic and fast-paced category.

“Acting as a knowledge centre for our plant-based activities, we will develop and showcase our plant-based innovations to support customers across the world.”

Last year, AAK launched the AkoPlanet by AAK portfolio, which included customised vegetable oil and fat solutions for food and beverage manufacturers developing plant-based meat and dairy products for the retail and foodservice channels.

The launch of the AkoPlanet by AAK portfolio was part of the company’s efforts to meet the demand for plant-based foods.

AAK anticipates that the new facility would enable its customers to bring food and beverages to market faster and with confidence.

The centre is expected to become operational by the end of next year.

AAK plant-based foods president Niall Sands said: “The long-term outlook for plant-based foods is strong with sales growth outpacing that of other foods.

“This development is driven by several factors, among them a growth in flexitarianism, an increased focus on health and wellbeing, and sustainability and climate concerns among many consumers.”

In October 2018, AAK opened a customer innovation centre in Singapore to help expand its capabilities in the South East Asian market.