Global taste and nutrition company Kerry has announced the construction of its purpose-built food technology and innovation centre in Queensland, Australia.

The new facility will also double as Kerry’s headquarters in Australia and New Zealand, with its existing Sydney facility remaining as a Commercial Connect Centre that specialises in research and development applications.

The new facility will have pilot plants, laboratories, and tasting facilities designed to drive food innovation in the region and reduce time to market for new products.

“The new facility aligns with Kerry’s globally-recognised innovation strategy focused on value creation for the consumer, as it reflects changing industry needs and unlocks sector growth opportunities in Australia and New Zealand,” says Christine Giuliano, general manager of Kerry, Australia and New Zealand.

According to Christine, the new facility will provide local food and beverage producers with the benefits of Kerry’s global technology.

“Our team at the new centre will be able to leverage Kerry’s research and development 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,” she says.

With an annual turnover of $50 billion, which equates to more than 18 per cent of total domestic manufacturing, the food and beverage industry is considered the largest manufacturing sector in Australia.

According to Food Innovation Australia Limited (FIAL), the greatest challenge for the food and beverage industry will be the ability to evolve to continuously meet consumers needs and market conditions.

With the facility being supported by the Queensland Government’s Advance Queensland Industry Attraction Fund, Christine believes the facility will help create an economical and efficient path for the commercialisation of new, innovative products within Australia.

The facility will also align with Kerry’s global innovation initiatives within the fields of health and wellness, sustainability, convenience, affordability, and premiumisation that will enable regional businesses to connect with the global market.

The new facility will also create employment opportunities through Kerry’s Gradate Programme and 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,” says Christine.