Dutch dairy cooperative FrieslandCampina launched its largest Asia-Pacific (APAC) Application Centre in Singapore, a state-of-the-art food innovation lab at Science Park Drive near the National University of Singapore, reinforcing Singapore’s role as a regional hub for nutritional food development. Supported by the Economic Development Board (EDB), the lab adds five new positions to FrieslandCampina’s 110-strong local team and expands its R&D floor area by 30%. Equipped with advanced technologies like ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing, analytical testing, and sensory science, the facility develops functional foods such as yogurt, protein bars, and supplements tailored for Asian markets, serving clients in Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia.
The centre, FrieslandCampina’s only development hub outside the Netherlands since 2011, attracted major food producers like Nestlé, Morinaga, Reckitt, and Abbott to its launch, highlighting Singapore’s growing ecosystem alongside companies like Mondelez and Danone. Singapore’s commitment to R&D, with a 2024 budget top-up of SGD 3 billion (USD 2.4 billion) to its SGD 25 billion (USD 20 billion) Research Innovation and Enterprise fund, underpins this initiative. The lab leverages Singapore’s talent pool and strategic position, despite its lack of a local dairy industry, to drive cutting-edge innovations like clear protein products, with plans for commercialization within two years.
FrieslandCampina, operating in 30 countries with over 19,500 employees and €12.9 billion (SGD 19.4 billion, USD 15.5 billion) in 2024 revenue, chose Singapore for its skilled workforce and regional connectivity. The facility enables local collaboration with universities and serves as a hub for APAC clients, reducing the need for long trips to the company’s Netherlands headquarters. Project manager Alicia Tan emphasized the lab’s role in enabling accessible innovation, hosting expert-led training and webinars to meet client needs efficiently.
This investment strengthens Singapore’s position as a food innovation leader, aligning with national goals to advance nutritional science and support economic growth. By fostering partnerships and leveraging advanced food tech, the APAC Application Centre positions Singapore to meet rising regional demand for functional, health-focused foods, contributing to a vibrant innovation ecosystem.
(Source: The Straits Times)
