Cargill Builds Food Innovation Centers

What will the future of nutrition look like? Cargill has built two new research facilities to help envision the answer.

The company recently opened R&D facilities in Minnesota and China, adding to its existing regional research and innovation centers in Brazil, Belgium, China and Kansas.

The Minneapolis Research and Development Center, located in Plymouth, is a $25-million, 100,000-square-foot facility featuring molecular biology laboratories, advanced analytical and materials research labs, test kitchens and a pilot production plant. The center’s 200 scientists will work on projects ranging from improving food safety to developing new ingredients that meet consumer expectations for simple, nutritious options.

The other new center, located in Shanghai, is the Cargill One Innovation Center, a 22,000-square-foot facility with a sensory lab, demonstration kitchen and capabilities for dairy, beverage, bakery, convenience food and culinary applications. Roughly 25 scientists there will create innovative menu solutions that combine consumer insights, trend forecasts and culinary expertise to serve as an incubator for future tastes.

The Shanghai location will also be used as a platform to educate the public on nutrition and food safety.