Kalsec SPICE Lab Launches in the Netherlands’ Food Valley
U.S. food ingredient provider sets the stage for sustainable food solutions in Europe
Kalsec Inc., a U.S.-based natural ingredients solutions provider for the food and beverage industry has expanded its presence in the European market. The company has opened its Savoury Product Innovation Centre of Excellence, or SPICE Lab, in Wageningen, the Netherlands.
The grand opening of this state-of-the-art facility marks a significant step in Kalsec’s mission. June Heine, President and Chief Officer of Kalsec, emphasized the importance of this expansion, stating, “By locating our R&D center in the core of Food Valley, our goal is to enhance our market position and contribute to sustainable food solutions through our portfolio of natural colors, taste and sensory, food protection and food ingredients solutions.”
Kalsec’s European foothold strengthened in Food Valley
Located in the heart of Wageningen’s Food Valley, the SPICE Lab is strategically positioned to tap into the region’s thriving agrifood innovation ecosystem. This move is a testament to Kalsec’s focus on global solutions and its strong presence in the region, having served food manufacturing customers in Europe for nearly 30 years.
In choosing the Food Valley, Kalsec gains access to the region’s cutting-edge research, world-class learning institutions and network of like-minded businesses. “We are excited to tap into the abundance of agrifood innovation clustered at and around Wageningen University & Research.” said Heine.
A collaborative ecosystem for sustainable food solutions
By establishing its R&D hub in Wageningen, Kalsec further underscores its commitment to global food solutions using a sustainable food system. The Netherlands is known for its strong emphasis on innovation, with a thriving R&D sector that drives advancement across industries. The country’s collaborative approach to R&D fosters innovation through shared knowledge and private-public partnerships.
“We chose Wageningen Campus because of its excellent reputation in the field of food and its strong network with research institutes and companies,” added Heine.
To help drive research, Kalsec aims to establish an international team of food scientists in Wageningen. Led by Dr. David Johnson, Kalsec’s Director of R&D, the team will focus on research and new product development at the SPICE Lab. “We look forward to working in this amazing ecosystem as we develop partnerships with other pioneering food industry organizations,” Dr. Johnson said.
The SPICE Lab will reside in Plus Ultra II, a sustainable multi-tenant business facility on the Wageningen campus. Classified as energy label class A, the location aligns with Kalsec’s status as a certified B Corp underscoring its dedication to sustainable practices. Wageningen’s Food Valley has strong ties to Wageningen University & Research (WUR) which holds the distinction of being the most sustainable university globally.
Said Heine, “It is our purpose to unlock the potential of people, nature and science to nourish the world. We are proud to contribute to the advancement of a more sustainable global food system.”
Invest in Holland regional partner Oost NL, in close collaboration with Wageningen University & Research (WUR) and Wageningen Campus supported Kalsec in bringing its SPICE Lab to the region.
About Kalsec
Kalsec Inc provides innovative taste and sensory, natural food protection, natural colors and advanced hops solutions to the food and beverage industries. Utilizing over 60 years of experience and industry leading innovation, Kalsec makes food and beverage products look better, taste better and last longer.
16 November 2023