Danish potato powerhouse KMC doubles down on plant-based future with new Innovation Center

In a move that underscores its commitment to sustainable plant-based solutions, Danish potato giant KMC has unveiled a brand new, 5,000m2 Innovation Center. This substantial DKK100 million investment marks a significant step forward for KMC, effectively doubling its innovation capacity and solidifying its position as a frontrunner in the burgeoning plant-based food industry.

KMC's decision to invest heavily in plant-based innovation comes on the heels of a record-breaking year for the company. In 2023, KMC achieved a staggering DKK3.4 billion in sales, a clear indicator of the growing demand for high-quality, sustainable food solutions. This growth is being fueled by a global shift towards plant-based diets, as consumers become increasingly aware of the environmental and health benefits of reducing their reliance on animal products.

"The plant-based market is booming, and KMC is positioned to provide sustainable solutions," commented Jesper Burgaard, CEO of KMC. "This Innovation Center is key to our strategy and will solidify Denmark's role in bio-solutions and future plant-based foods."

KMC's focus on plant-based innovation stems from its deep-rooted expertise in potato processing. For decades, KMC has been the world's leading manufacturer of potato-based ingredients. The company boasts a strong network of 600-700 potato grower-owners, who play a vital role in KMC's commitment to sustainable sourcing practices.

Leveraging its extensive knowledge of potato functionality, KMC extracts a variety of key ingredients from potatoes, including starch, fibers, and proteins. These versatile ingredients serve as the foundation for a wide range of food products, including noodles, bread, chips and snacks, and even plant-based cheese and dressings.

The newly opened Innovation Center represents a significant leap forward in KMC's mission to develop cutting-edge plant-based solutions. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to foster collaboration between KMC's internal team of experts and customers from all over the world. By working together, KMC and its partners can accelerate the development of new and innovative plant-based ingredients and products that meet the ever-evolving needs of the global marketplace.

The Innovation Center boasts a comprehensive array of resources, including pilot plants, laboratories, and application kitchens. These advanced facilities will equip KMC's research and development teams with the tools they need to push the boundaries of what's possible in the realm of plant-based food science. From optimizing extraction processes to formulating entirely new ingredients, the Innovation Center will serve as a launchpad for groundbreaking discoveries that have the potential to revolutionize the food industry.