Nestlé launches R&D Accelerator to drive innovation for dairy products

Nestlé has unveiled a new R&D Accelerator to drive innovation and speed-to-market of sustainable dairy products, as well as plant-based dairy alternatives.

Located in Nestlé's research and development centre in Konolfingen, Switzerland, the new feature provides an important platform to assist start-ups, students and scientists with bringing products from ideation to commercialisation.

The centre is integral to testing new product concepts for Nestlé's dairy and infant nutrition businesses before being introduced to consumers worldwide.

Nestlé Chief Executive Mark Schneider said the innovation in milk products and plant-based dairy alternatives is core to Nestlé's portfolio strategy and the company's sustainability agenda.

"As a company, we have set ambitious climate goals. This is part of our promise to develop products that are good for you and good for the planet," Schneider said.

The R&D Accelerator features a fully equipped test kitchen, as well as a co-working office space. Internal, external and mixed teams will use Nestlé's equipment and expertise to bring novel ideas from concept to test shop in only six months.

Thomas Hauser, Head of Global Product and Technology Development at Nestlé, said the new addition to the centre will drive developers to explore new ideas through a test and learn approach.

"By tapping into our expertise in food science, food safety, regulatory, manufacturing processes, and packaging, they can rapidly upscale and test new products in real market conditions," Hauser said.

Image courtesy of Nestlé.