Health, nutrition, and beauty company dsm-firmenich has announced the inauguration of its new Van Marken Food Innovation Center in Delft, the Netherlands. The center is designed to help the company’s customers develop nutritious, sustainable, and tasty food and beverage solutions.
The building will house the headquarters of dsm-firmenich’s Taste, Texture & Health business unit, along with a modern co-creation kitchen and cutting-edge application laboratories. It will enable the development of plant-based alternatives, sugar reduction solutions, better taste experiences, enhanced nutrition, and more.
“dsm-firmenich’s Van Marken Food Innovation Center is of great importance to the province of Zuid-Holland,” said Wouter Kolff, the King’s commissioner in the Province of South-Holland. “The center is a driving force in strengthening the knowledge ecosystem and economic growth in the region and beyond. dsm-firmenich is an important employer and a magnet for current and future talent, contributing to the attractiveness of the city of Delft, the province, and the Netherlands.”
“Not just a vision”
The new building will be certified with WELL Platinum and BREEAM Outstanding, which are claimed to be the highest well-being and sustainability standards. Over 400 dsm-firmenich employees will work on-site.
Last year, Marnix van Amerongen, Head of Innovation Plant-based Platform at dsm-firmenich, told vegconomist that he expects the plant-based category to shift away from replicating animal-based products and toward creating new and exciting categories that stand on their own merits. In March 2024, the company opened a new pilot plant in Plainsboro, New Jersey, which will focus on the development of both plant-based and dairy beverages.
“The future of food is not just a vision, it’s a reality that we’re creating right now together with our customers,” said Patrick Niels, President of the Taste, Texture & Health business unit. “Our commitment to innovation and sustainability is unparalleled. Strategically positioned at the Dutch Biotech Campus Delft — the global food and biotechnology hotspot — the Van Marken Food Innovation Center underlines our ongoing dedication to contributing to the local environment and to the Netherlands, while honoring our 155-year legacy of food and biotechnology innovation in Delft.”
