Chr. Hansen Natural Colors inaugurates R&D center in France
The new facilities in Montpellier are part of a long-term investment strategy to focus on innovative and natural solutions that enable manufacturers to meet consumers’ growing awareness and demand for natural and easy-to understand ingredients.
Chr. Hansen Natural Colors is expected to be acquired – subject to regulatory clearance – next year by EQT, a global investment organization.
“We are ramping up our R&D capabilities in pigment, formulation and application expertise. Also, we are accelerating our breeding programs and new technologies to secure sustainable and high-quality natural sources,” Luc Ganivet, vice president, head of innovation and application said.
“More stable formulations and even new colors like blue and green will now be within our reach. This new center will be a magnet to the brightest talents in the industry and will help us to remain a leading force. Montpellier lies in the heart of an exciting food science hub, with several universities and institutions renowned for their profound scientific expertise.”
Over the past five years, five to 10 new products have been launched annually as well as customization projects. Innovations such as the minimally processed red Hansen sweet potato will continue to evolve from the expertise center in Montpellier.
“With the R&D center we are cementing our leading position and will be even better equipped to develop differentiated technical solutions that meet the challenges of our customers,” Klaus Bjerrum, executive vice president, said.
“A key objective for us is to secure knowledge sharing and alignment across our global organization so that we can offer customers the same high level of expertise wherever they are located.
“We are proud to be the partner of choice for so many food and beverage manufacturers. We highly value their trust and we will continue to earn the right to be their chosen partner. When travel policies allow again, we are excited to welcome customers and academic partners and jointly accelerate colorful, natural innovations for modern health conscious consumers.”
