Swiss food company Nestlé plans to establish two research and development (R&D) facilities in China, to improve its understanding of Chinese ingredients and local cuisine.
The units are also expected to provide scientific and technological expertise to the rest of Nestlé's business in Asia and around the world.
Nestlé said that the investment in the R&D units, which will be located in Dongguan and Xiamen, is a part of its long-term commitment to advance nutrition and food science in China.
The unit in Dongguan will specialize in baked products and will support Nestlé's joint venture with Hsu Fu Chi, a producer of confectionery, biscuits, and traditional snacks in China.
The Xiamen unit will focus on ready-to-drink beverages and will collaborate with Yinlu, a producer of ready-to-drink peanut milk and ready-to-eat rice congee in China.
Nestlé's Research and Development global head Johannes Baensch said the company continues to invest in R&D capability in Asia, as it provides a greater understanding of the raw materials used to make the products that are suitable for local consumers.
The company has been building its R&D capability in China for more than ten years, and currently has a talented team, and a strong talent pool for the future, Baensch added.
Currently, Nestlé has two R&D facilities in the country - in Shanghai and Beijing. The new R&D units in Xiamen and Dongguan, together with Nestlé's facilities in Shanghai and Beijing, will be part of the newly-named 'R&D China'.
