Cargill has relaunched its innovation center in Singapore to help food manufacturers create market-ready products for Asia’s growing food and beverage industry.
Cargill has relaunched its newly upgraded innovation center in Singapore. The launch of the center reflects its vision of being “by Asia, for Asia”. The project is supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG).
The re-opening event brought together customers, media and government officials. Guests toured the new facility and sampled a range of new products. These new products include chocolate smoothies, low-sugar sparkling tea drinks, indulgent baked goods and chicken nuggets with local flavors.
John Fearing, group president of Cargill’s Asia Pacific Food Group, said the center will help customers respond faster to changing consumer trends.
Consumers across Asia are craving new flavors, better health benefits and great sensory experiences. With our upgraded innovation center, we can work together to create solutions that meet local preferences and bring strong business value.
Singapore: A growing food innovation hub
The modern R&D center will enhance Cargill’s R&D capabilities, bringing together science, innovation and culinary creativity. More importantly, it reinforces Singapore’s position as a global food innovation hub.
The new facility includes a restaurant-style kitchen, a flexible testing area that mimics fast food workflows, and a chocolate academy. These spaces allow chefs and food developers to test recipes, tweak techniques and perfect menus before products go to market. The center also houses baking, dairy, beverage and sensory testing labs.
Bee Ching Tan, deputy managing director of the Singapore Economic Development Board, said the relaunch will “help push the boundaries of next-generation food innovation.” She added that it will enhance Singapore’s deep capabilities in food science and support Singapore’s long-term goals in the agri-food sector.
Amreeta Eng, executive director of Enterprise Singapore, welcomed the expansion. She said it provides new opportunities to partner with food startups, accelerators and SMEs in Singapore.
Tapping into Asia’s booming food market
Cargill’s move comes at a time of rapid growth in Asia’s foodservice and snack food industries. A recent Cargill survey found that 70% of consumers are willing to pay more for exciting flavors. Meanwhile, 82% of consumers want a multi-sensory experience when enjoying treats such as chocolate, ice cream and baked goods.
These findings are in line with broader market trends. The Asia Pacific foodservice industry will exceed $400 billion in 2024. The industry is expected to grow at more than 15% per year and could reach nearly $1.7 trillion by 2034. Factors driving this growth include the rise of the middle class, busy lifestyles and growing demand for takeout and delivery.
Innovation from Asia, for Asia
Singapore is now home to one of Cargill’s four innovation centers in Asia. The opening of this innovation center also coincides with Singapore’s 60th anniversary of independence. This highlights Cargill’s long-term development in Singapore and its future development vision in the region.
Through this investment, Cargill aims to help its partners bring better, faster and more localized food solutions to market. The companies are committed to co-developing new concepts that meet Asia’s changing dietary preferences, while keeping sustainability and consumer well-being at the core.
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