March 28 2023 was the official opening of AAK’s state-of-the-art innovation center just outside Amsterdam. The ribbon was cut in the presence of customers, investors, and local officials, who also were invited to a guided tour with tastings and presentations around the premises. The neighborhood was exclusively invited to a much-appreciated preview last weekend.
As the global demand for food is expected to increase by 70 percent by 2050 and fat is an essential food ingredient, there is no doubt that AAK as Multi-oil Ingredient House plays a vital role in accelerating sustainable food production.
The new three story state-of-the-art Plant-based Innovation Center showcasing AAK's co-development process features an application laboratory, co-development workspaces, a culinary kitchen, and a sensory facility - all under one roof. Here AAK’s aspiration to offer innovative and unique customer solutions by utilizing our multi-oil and go-to-market expertise allow customers to bring great-tasting food and beverages to market faster and with confidence. “Our customers require unique solutions to stay competitive. Together, we will speed up the paradigm shift to sustainable foods with good taste in focus", says Niall Sands, President Commercial Development and Innovation AAK.
Consumers are increasingly interested in healthy foods; as many as 1/3 of the European population now see themselves as flexitarians. Transparency, sustainability, and ethical claims in the food supply chain are also becoming more important as consumers care not only for their own health but also for the well-being of others and the planet. At AAK we strive to offer all of this in our solutions, meeting the needs of our customers, consumers, and the world.
Enhancing co-development and sustainability
AAK is committed to leading sustainable food production and helping transform the industry. Investing in new technologies through innovation and acquisitions is key to fulfilling that mission. The Plant-based Innovation Center of Excellence in Zaandijk will be invaluable in combination with our extensive knowledge and experience in fats and oils.
AAK constantly strives for improvement and increased sustainability through developing new and explorative technologies. We recently updated our strategic roadmap with key focus areas that will be addressed by a range of initiatives to lift the performance for the future. The goal is to further differentiate AAK from our competitors, by enhancing the customer co-development approach and sustainability offerings.