BRAZIL – Nestle SA, one of the largest food and beverage companies in the world has opened a new US$6.95 million quality assurance laboratory in Brazil as it strives to develop innovative products and recipes across its organic offering.

Nestle indicated that the main purpose of the laboratory was to ensure that its organic range which it offers alongside its normal range of ingredients is free from pesticides and genetically-modified organisms.

The facility also seeks to expand the number of organic, no GMO, and gluten-free choices across its most popular product categories and brands.

The facility will serve its organic market in Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Chile, and Argentina and in the long run expand its operation in Latin America as the min testing laboratory in the region.

“When you make a commitment to the consumer that it’s organic, it has to be organic. You have to make sure it’s pesticide free,” said Fabien Robert, Nestlé’s head of quality for the Americas.

Nestle is continuously evolving its ingredients portfolio alongside changes in consumer tastes and preferences by developing new recipes and updating existing ones across their entire portfolio.

The new facility will allow renovations and innovations across most of its popular brands including bakery, confectionery, culinary, chilled and frozen foods, coffee, ice cream and pet care.

As consumers shifts to healthier choices, Nestle SA extended its consumer healthcare portfolio by acquiring Atrium Innovations, a global leader in nutritional health products.