Taste and nutrition company Kerry has announced it will develop a purpose-built food technology and innovation centre of excellence in Queensland, Australia. The facility will act as the new headquarters for Kerry in Australia and New Zealand, while its existing facility in Sydney will retain a specialist research and development applications hub.

With end-to-end capabilities including pilot plants, laboratories and tasting facilities, the new Kerry Australia and New Zealand Development and Application Centre in Brisbane will bring end-to-end food innovation cycle under one roof, which the manufacturer hopes will reduce time to market for new product development and increasing Kerry’s capacity to drive food innovation in the region. Complementing the new facility is the Kerry Australia and New Zealand Commercial Connect Centre in Sydney, which will retain a specialist RD&A applications hub.

“The new facility aligns with Kerry’s globally-recognised innovation strategy focused on value creation for the consumer, as it reflects changing industry needs and unlocks sector growth opportunities in Australia and New Zealand,” said Christine Giuliano, General Manager, Kerry Australia and New Zealand.

“More importantly, it will bring the benefits of our global technologies to local food and beverage producers – supporting regional industry development. Our team at the new centre will be able to leverage Kerry’s R&D network around the world, as well as global insights, market knowledge, and culinary and applications expertise to customise solutions that ultimately deliver exciting products that resonate with the local market.”

According to Kerry, the food and beverage industry is Australia’s largest manufacturing sector and with an annual turnover of $50 billion it represents more than 18 percent of total domestic manufacturing turnover.

“This investment, which is supported by the Queensland Government’s Advance Queensland Industry Attraction Fund, will pave an economical and efficient path for commercialisation of new products, and focus on Kerry’s global innovation initiatives in health and wellness, sustainability, convenience, affordability and premiumisation, allowing regional businesses to connect and access the global market by leveraging the Kerry brand,” added Giuliano.

The centre will also create ongoing employment opportunities for graduates through Kerry’s Graduate Programme and facilitate placements in a world class centre via partnerships with local universities.

“We are committed to investing in local talent and developing the next generation of Australian food scientists. Considering Queensland’s alignment with Kerry’s growth strategies, we are looking forward to supporting a strong, sustainable and critical food and beverage manufacturing sector in the region,” said Giuliano.