Taste and nutrition company Kerry is set to build a technology and innovation centre of excellence in Queensland. The site will also be the company’s new headquarters for Australia and New Zealand. Its existing Sydney facility will be a specialist R&D applications hub.
Kerry general manager ANZ Christine Giuliano said the new facility reflects changing industry needs and will unlock growth opportunities for the company in the region.
The investment has been supported by the Queensland Government’s Advance Queensland Industry Attraction Fund.
The new Kerry Australia and New Zealand Development and Application Centre will be in Brisbane and offer end-to-end capabilities including pilot plants, laboratories and tasting facilities.
“It will bring the benefits of our global technologies to local food and beverage producers – supporting regional industry development. Our team at the new centre will be able to leverage Kerry’s R&D network around the world, as well as global insights, market knowledge, and culinary and applications expertise to customise solutions that ultimately deliver exciting products that resonate with the local market,” Giuliano said.
Giuliano said Food Innovation Australia Limited (FIAL) has identified major challenges for the food and beverage industry being the ability for businesses to easily adapt and respond to rapidly evolving consumer needs and changing business and market conditions.
“This investment by Kerry and the Queensland Government will pave an economical and efficient path for commercialisation of new products. It will enable regional businesses to connect and access the global market by leveraging the Kerry brand and its global innovation initiatives in health and wellness, sustainability, convenience, affordability and premiumisation,” she added.
The food and beverage industry is Australia's largest manufacturing sector. With an annual turnover of $50 billion, it represents more than 18 per cent of total domestic manufacturing turnover. FIAL’s forecast for the global food and agribusiness market is between $8.8 trillion and $11.1 trillion by 2025.
Kerry’s Graduate Programme will also be used, providing employment opportunities for graduates and facilitating placements at the centre through partnerships with local universities.
“We are committed to investing in local talent and developing the next generation of Australian food scientists. Considering Queensland’s alignment with Kerry’s growth strategies, we are looking forward to supporting a strong, sustainable and critical food and beverage manufacturing sector in the region,” Giuliano said.
Its Sydney site will be the Kerry Australia and New Zealand Commercial Connect Centre, which will retain a specialist research and development applications hub.
