NETHERLANDS – Heineken, Dutch multinational brewing company, has invested €45 million (US$47.83) in construction of a new state-of-the-art Research & Development (R&D) Centre called Dr. H.P. Heineken Centre, in Zoeterwoude.
The Centre is named after Dr. Henry Pierre Heineken (1886-1971), who, as a doctor of chemistry, developed and implemented many quality improvements and innovative ideas from the laboratory.
His profound knowledge of chemistry and sharp business acumen positioned Henry Pierre as the first successor to Heineken founder Gerard Adriaan Heineken and his wife Mary Tindal, in 1914.
The brewing company said the R&D Centre will focus on improving existing products and processes as well as developing new products. Opening in mid-2025, this new Global R&D Centre will play a crucial role in Heineken’s innovation and growth strategy.
The Centre covers an area of 8,800 m² and will employ staff from 12 countries to work on innovation within global brands such as Heineken, Desperados and Amstel.
This new facility includes offices, laboratories, a model service centre and sensory research and packaging development departments.
It will play a leading role within Heineken’s global R&D network, which includes hubs in Mexico, South Africa and Southeast Asia.
Since Heineken’s founding, Dolf van den Brink Chairman of the Executive Board/CEO explained that innovation and technology have been the foundation of the Group’s success, ranging from A-yeast, which has been providing the unique taste of Heineken since the 19th century, to the alcohol-free beer revolution led by Heineken 0.0.
“As the beating heart within our Global R&D network, this Centre opens new possibilities to optimize flavors and processes and to bring innovative products to market,” he added.
“This is a crucial milestone in realizing our Brew a Better World 2030 strategy, through which HEINEKEN raises the bar and enables faster progress towards a net zero, and a fairer, healthier world.”
By choosing Zoeterwoude as location for the Dr. H.P. Heineken Centre, Dolf van den Brink said Heineken underscores its commitment to the Netherlands and contributes to maintaining the Netherlands as a leader in food technology.
Previous successes developed in Zoeterwoude include Heineken 0.0, the Draught Keg, and the horizontal fermentation system that creates Heineken’s distinctive flavor.
Zoeterwoude is also where Heineken is already working on sustainability initiatives, such as installing the sector’s first large-scale e-boiler.
The R&D Center is also near the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), where the brewery has established a dedicated Heineken laboratory and invests in biotechnological research.
According to Heineken, TU Delft will further strengthen the new facility by providing opportunities for Master’s and PhD students to contribute to innovative projects.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
