Tate & Lyle unveils robotics-driven ‘ALFIE’ lab in Singapore to boost ingredient innovation
SINGAPORE – Tate & Lyle has launched the Automated Laboratory for Ingredient Experimentation, or ‘ALFIE,’ at its Customer Collaboration and Innovation Centre in Singapore, marking a significant step in food and beverage innovation through robotics.
The new lab is designed to enhance the company’s product development capabilities by accelerating ingredient experimentation and reducing the time-to-market for new solutions.
The ALFIE initiative represents a substantial multi-million-pound investment, underscoring Tate & Lyle’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of food science and technology.
ALFIE features two advanced robotic systems with full connectivity, providing a seamless flow of data throughout the ingredient design and development processes.
By automating sample production, characterization, and predictive modeling, the facility can execute ingredient testing at a rate up to 10 times faster than conventional methods.
This high-speed testing capability enables Tate & Lyle to deliver ingredient solutions to its customers more efficiently and to explore a broader range of formulations in less time.
The laboratory will serve as the research and development hub for the company’s Asia Pacific operations, with a particular focus on advancing mouthfeel solutions.
ALFIE will be managed by on-site scientists who will collaborate virtually with Tate & Lyle’s research teams in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, USA. This connectivity allows for real-time cross-continental teamwork and increases the potential for global innovation.
Nick Hampton, CEO of Tate & Lyle said, “Our goal was to create a revolutionary tool that will better predict product performance in food manufacturing, allowing us to create faster and improved solutions to customer challenges.”
“ALFIE’s cutting-edge technology will enable us to push the boundaries of food innovation, speed up our customers’ innovation cycles, improve consumer choice for healthier food and beverages, and help shape the future of the food industry.”
The lab’s launch aligns with Singapore’s Food Manufacturing Industry Transformation Map (ITM) 2025, an initiative that positions Singapore as a leading hub for food and nutrition in Asia.
Marcus Dass, senior vice president at the Singapore Economic Development Board, commended the new facility, noting that ALFIE exemplifies Singapore’s status as a trusted regional hub for advanced food innovation.
In June, Tate & Lyle announced it would join forces with CP Kelco in a US$1.8 billion deal, to create a powerhouse in the growing global speciality ingredients market.
The transaction is expected to drive stronger revenue growth and significant adjusted EBITDA margin improvement for Tate & Lyle over the next few years.
Additionally, Tate & Lyle revealed a US$270 million share buyback programme, set to commence following the completion of its divestiture from Primient.
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