Upfield Invests 50m Euros Into New Plant-Based Research & Development Centre

Owner of major plant-based brands Upfield Group will invest €50 million in a new plant-based research and development facility located in the Netherlands.

Upfield produces a range of plant-based spreads, cheeses and margarines. The company owns multiple plant-based brands including Violife, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter and Flora.

Upfield Food Science Centre will aim to accelerate the development of plant-based food products and sustainable packaging solutions. The facility will be opened by the end of 2021.

Upfield Group CEO David Haines said: “The announcement today demonstrates our commitment to ambitious and pioneering research and development. Our track record is good. Since Upfield was established under two years ago, we have already launched new and industry-leading plant-based cheese, cream, and butter products.

“The new Upfield Food Science Centre will allow us to accelerate our ambitious agenda and develop even more options so people can enjoy great-tasting, natural, plant-based foods that are not only beneficial to their health, but to the planet.

“As a global leader in plant-based nutrition, we are extremely excited by what this investment means for the future of the category.”

John Verbakel, chief research and development officer at Upfield added: “Investment in the new Upfield Food Science Centre will give us access to state-of-the art equipment, technology and an inspiring and creative network of individuals and companies, allowing us to really push the boundaries of what we can achieve in natural, plant-based foods innovation.

“It is exciting to be part of a company committed to such a large-scale investment, which recognizes the importance of food science and plant-based foods.”