Kerry unveils major Barcelona-based Southern Europe Innovation Centre

Irish-based taste and nutrition group, Kerry has enhanced its application development capabilities as it opens its Southern Europe Innovation Centre in Barcelona, Spain, reports Neill Barston.

As the company noted, its creation is part of a wider strategy of expansion for the region, serving neighbouring countries including Portugal, Italy and France with its extensive facilities for the food and drink sector.

According to the business, the freshly developed site will combine the firm’s current office in Barcelona with a new customer suite and applications labs and will operate in conjunction with technology centres in Vigo and Granada, as well as the global taste centres of excellence in Grasse in France and Mozzo in Italy.

Furthermore, it will allow Kerry to work more closely with customers in the South European region to develop solutions across food and beverage categories, including retail manufacturing and foodservice. The location was completed with the support of ACCIÓ, including funding under the framework of the aid programme for high-impact business investments in Catalonia.

Juan Soto, VP and General Manager for Kerry South Europe, welcomed the emergence of its latest facilities. He said: “This investment will help us respond to our customers’ needs at pace, as we work closely together in partnership to deliver sustainable nutrition to consumers through our globally connected, locally led approach. Kerry’s strategic investments in the region underscore the emergence of Southern Europe as a very significant base for food manufacturing and innovation. We are excited to further the delivery of our insights and technologies across taste, plant based, food waste and health and bio-pharma across the region.”

Kerry has been supporting food and beverage manufacturers in Southern Europe for decades, including within the confectionery and snacks sectors, with sites located across Italy, France and Spain.

The company established its first commercial office in Barcelona in 1998, while its first manufacturing investment in Spain came with the acquisition of Vendin (2016). The company has more recently completed the strategic acquisitions of Hasenosa, Pevesa and Biosearch Life. The launch of the new centre brings Kerry’s investment in Iberia to more than €200 million in the last four years.

 

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