Yakult Launches First Global R&D Innovation Center at Wageningen Campus
Japanese company’s expansion in the Netherlands is a commitment to advancing food innovation, health and well-being
Yakult, the world-renowned pioneer in probiotic products, has officially established its first global R&D Innovation Center outside Japan at Wageningen Campus in Gelderland, the Netherlands. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in Yakult’s international expansion and commitment to advancing food innovation, health and well-being. It also brings another global brand into the heart of the so-called ‘Food Valley’ region of Wageningen, where there is a thriving community of world-class research institutions and network of like-minded businesses in the Dutch agrifood sector.
A new hub for global food innovation
The newly founded Yakult European R&D Center B.V. is located at Plus Ultra III, a new, landmark building on Wageningen Campus focused on microbiology, nutrition and health sciences. It is a truly state-of-the-art facility with flexible laboratories and offices designed for collaboration and cross-fertilization between science and industry, making it the perfect hub for global research and development.
Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd. states that: “Science and innovation have always been at the heart of Yakult’s mission. Establishing our first global R&D center outside Japan in Wageningen offers a rare and valuable opportunity to collaborate directly with world-class scientists and companies in the fields of food, nutrition, and life sciences. From here, we will develop new product concepts, address diverse consumer needs, and build future growth through innovation.”
Strategic location and collaboration
Wageningen Campus is also home to Wageningen University & Research, a world-leading institute in life sciences, and hosts a vibrant ecosystem of food and nutrition businesses, start-ups and multinationals. It is a prime example of the Dutch ‘Triple Helix’ model in action, whereby private sector, government and academia collaborate to develop new solutions together. Yakult will benefit from direct collaboration with academic researchers and other established industry partners.
Anne Mensink, Manager Wageningen Campus & Shared Research Facilities, said: “Collaborative projects with researchers and students are already underway. Yakult’s presence further strengthens the knowledge base and innovation power of our campus, and we look forward to their active participation in various research programs.”
Strengthening the Food Valley ecosystem
Yakult products are currently produced and sold in 40 countries and regions, including the Netherlands, Belgium, UK, Germany, Austria and Italy. The new R&D center will facilitate the development of new product concepts tailored to diverse consumer needs and will accelerate innovation in the European market.
The arrival of Yakult at Wageningen Campus is a hugely exciting addition to the ‘Food Valley’ region and strengthens its position as a global center for food innovation and excellence. Many other businesses will benefit from the arrival of such a significant global player in food and nutrition, while Yakult will be able to plug in to a thriving hub of food innovation and talent to support its strategic goals.
6 October 2025