Givaudan expands Protein Hub at Zurich Innovation Centre with new capabilities for dairy alternatives

Hub offers expertise, technology and solutions to accelerate development of dairy-free food experiences

In the latest addition to its global innovation ecosystem, Givaudan has expanded the Protein Hub at its flagship Zurich Innovation Centre in Kemptthal, Switzerland to support the growth of dairy alternatives. The expanded Hub offers specialised expertise, state-of-the-art digital technologies, and an integrated portfolio of solutions designed specifically for dairy alternatives to accelerate new product development and co-create exciting new food experiences in collaboration with customers. 

“At Givaudan, we have a unique approach to co-creation where we work side-by-side with our customers, partners, start-ups, chefs, academics and many others as a driving force for innovation,” said Doruk Ongan, President Europe Taste & Wellbeing. “We’re excited to open the doors of the Protein Hub to customers in the alternative dairy space, so we can shape the future of this dynamic category together.” 

Fabio Campanile, Global Head of Science and Technology, Taste & Wellbeing, commented: “At Givaudan, our experts in science and technology focus on satisfying today’s consumer needs, while exploring the taste and functionality of various protein sources – from plants to precise fermentation – and leading new innovations for the future. In addition to our in-house knowledge, technology and research programmes, we have created a global innovation ecosystem to support our customers in markets around the world with facilities such as the Protein Innovation Centre in Singapore, the MISTA Center in San Francisco and the Tropical Innovation Lab in Brazil.”

Customers visiting the Protein Hub in Zurich have direct access to leading experts in science and technology, consumer sensory insights, alternative dairy applications including milk, yoghurt and cheese, and culinary. With vast expertise in protein selection, these experts can help create a product base with the preferred taste and functionality. 

Customers can also optimise their new product development with Givaudan’s proprietary tools such as TasteSolutions® mouthfeel technologies, as well as masking, sugar reduction, solutions that mimic dairy notes, natural colours and clean-label health and nutritional solutions. These solutions help provide the authenticity and indulgence of traditional dairy products to create delicious and memorable dairy alternatives experiences.  

To accelerate co-creation efforts, the Protein Hub incorporates the latest digital tools and AI solutions for rapid concepts, prototyping and testing with consumers. For example, Givaudan’s unique ATOM technology uses the power of AI to enhance the taste and aromas of alternative dairy products, and the Company’s patented VAS technology, which can be used to test and co-create aromas directly with consumers in real time. The facility also incorporates a state-of-the-art show kitchen, and laboratories with capabilities in chemistry, biotechnology, fermentation, flavour delivery technology, sensory, applications and food science. 

Editor’s notes: Together with its partners and industry experts, Givaudan recently hosted a digital event on Dairy Alternative Futures, which unveils potential scenarios for alternative dairy and deep dives into the impact of changing consumer preferences, new technologies, sustainability commitments and public policy. A recording of the event is available here.
 
Photos and a short video about the newly expanded Protein Hub are available upon request. 

About Givaudan
Givaudan is a global leader in Fragrance & Beauty and Taste & Wellbeing. We celebrate the beauty of human experience by creating for happier, healthier lives with love for nature. Together with our customers we deliver food experiences, craft inspired fragrances, and develop beauty and wellbeing solutions that make people look and feel good. In 2022, Givaudan employed almost 16,700 people worldwide and achieved CHF 7.1 billion in sales with a free cash flow of 6.7%. With a heritage that stretches back over 250 years, we are committed to driving long-term, purpose-led growth by improving people’s health and happiness and increasing our positive impact on nature. This is Givaudan. Human by nature. Discover more at www.givaudan.com.
 
About Taste & Wellbeing
Powered by innovation and creativity, Givaudan Taste & Wellbeing aims to shape the future of food by becoming the co-creation partner of choice to its customers. Built on its global leadership position in flavours and taste, the Company goes beyond to create food experiences that do good and feel good, for body, mind and planet. With an expanded portfolio of products across flavours, taste, functional and nutritional solutions and a deep knowledge of the food ecosystem, Givaudan’s passion is to collaborate with customers and partners to develop game-changing innovations in food and beverage. This is Givaudan. Human by nature. Learn more about how we are shaping the future of food at: www.givaudan.com/taste-wellbeing.

For further information please contact
Jamie Till, Instinctif Partners
T +44 20 7457 2056
E jamie.till@instinctif.com

Rebecca Louis, Taste & Wellbeing Communications
E rebecca.louis@givaudan.com
04/10/2024