AAK recently shared news a Plant-based Foods Global Center of Excellence will be established on the company’s premises in Zaandijk, the Netherlands. AAK has been operating here for decades and this strategic location, near Amsterdam in one of Europe’s largest food and agribusiness economies, offers proximity to many customers and industry peers as well as the nearby ‘Wageningen Food Valley’.

“Investing in this Plant-based Foods Global Center of Excellence reaffirms our commitment to grow our presence in this dynamic and fast-paced category,” said Johan Westman, president and CEO, AAK Group. “Acting as a knowledge center for our plant-based activities, we will develop and showcase our plant-based innovations to support customers across the world.”

To meet the fast-growing demand for plant-based foods, AAK last year launched its AkoPlanet by AAK portfolio with tailor-made vegetable oil and fat solutions for food and beverage manufacturers developing plant-based meat and dairy products for the retail and foodservice channels. With the establishment of the Global Center of Excellence, AAK further strengthens its capabilities for plant-based foods.

The three-story state-of-the-art center showcasing AAK’s co-development process will feature two pilot plants, an analytical laboratory, a customer experience kitchen, and a sensory suite all under one AAK roof, allowing customers to bring great-tasting food and beverages to market faster and with confidence.  

“The long-term outlook for plant-based foods is strong with sales growth outpacing that of other foods,” said Niall Sands, president Plant-based Foods at AAK. “This development is driven by several factors, among them a growth in flexitarianism, an increased focus on health and well-being, and sustainability and climate concerns among many consumers.”

The center is expected to be operational by the end of 2021.