SINGAPORE—Snack and confectionary giant Mondelēz International has reaffirmed its commitment to innovation and product development by inaugurating its Regional Biscuit and Baked Snacks Lab and Innovation Kitchen in Singapore, which is valued at more than US$5 million.
Chan Ih-Ming, Executive Vice President of the Singapore Economic Development Board, opened the facility as a show of government support and enthusiasm for the new facility.
Ih-Ming said, “The expansion will capitalize on opportunities presented by the rising Asian middle class and a growing appetite for premium and responsible snacking experiences.
“Singapore, at the heart of Southeast Asia and boasts a vibrant food ecosystem, presents an ideal location for such endeavors.”
The new facility is expected to expand the current R&D capabilities of the Singapore Technical Center (STC), which was inaugurated in 2006, driving innovation and creative development in the company’s baked goods and biscuits category.
Since an expansion effort in 2018, STC has developed expertise in packaging, product development, process technology, ingredient research, consumer science, and analytics to improve product offerings and overall customer experience.
The new innovation hub is expected to build on these capabilities through co-innovation, which is set to improve operational efficiency and consumer satisfaction.
Deepak Iyer, Executive Vice President and President of AMEA at Mondelēz, said, “At Mondelēz International, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of food innovation and product development.
“Through collaborative efforts, we aim to create a dynamic space where creative ideas can flourish and contribute to developing new innovative products for our consumers.”
The facility’s inauguration comes barely a month after the confectioner announced the launch of the first-ever gluten-free chocolate chip cookie under its Chips Ahoy! brand umbrella, reiterating the company’s commitment to innovation in the snacks and confectionery market.
The gluten-free chocolate chip cookie was developed after years of development that partially took place at the STC facility. The co-innovation between STC and the new facility will help accelerate the innovation process.
The innovation hub will cement Singapore’s position as the company’s headquarters in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa.
“This expansion further enhances the capabilities of our Singapore Technical Centre and reaffirms our commitment and contribution to the country, which serves as the headquarters for our Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa business,” Iyer said.
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