Nestlé moves chocolate research center from Switzerland to UK to focus on ‘breakthrough innovation’
Nestlé said it has identified a need to “increase synergies and optimize processes within the R&D confectionery value chain”.
“The forthcoming set-up will enable us to serve the confectionery business better by focusing on breakthrough innovation with the objective of winning the hearts of our consumers,” Nina Kruchten, spokesperson at Nestlé Switzerland, told ConfectioneryNews.
“The center in York will take the lead for R&D activities associated with all confectionery, leveraging the scientific product design and development as well as the engineering expertise of its highly skilled team,” she added. “From York, innovation support is provided to global brands.”
Employees’ transition
Nestlé did not immediately comment on when it will complete the move. It pointed out affected employees will be offered the opportunity to take up the company’s new positions, including the ones at the future technical unit and the R&D unit for cocoa processing continued within the Broc factory.
“For the remaining employees (six in total), we are looking at every situation individually to see, among other solutions, if perhaps new employment opportunities arise in the group,” said Kruchten.
“We have engaged with all employees concerned on the changes and will continue to closely offer support and advice,” she added.
The Swiss food giant recently sold its US confectionery business to Ferrero for $2.8bn.
