Nestlé R&D expands innovation capabilities in Singapore

Nestlé Research & Development (R&D) is set to enhance its local capabilities in Singapore with the support of the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). This investment aims to bolster key innovation areas, including alternative proteins, sustainable packaging, and digital transformation, reinforcing Singapore’s position as a regional hub for food innovation.

Nestlé’s R&D Center in Singapore, which has been operational for over 40 years, will commit resources to support a wide range of roles—from chefs and engineers to product developers. These experts will focus on developing hybrid plant/dairy products, plant-based foods, and innovative packaging solutions that align with global sustainability goals.

Beyond internal developments, Nestlé R&D Singapore will collaborate with local enterprises, start-ups, and SMEs to co-develop emerging food technologies. Guglielmo Bonora, Head of Nestlé R&D Singapore, emphasized the company’s long-term commitment to innovation. “For over 40 years, our R&D Center in Singapore has played a key role in developing products and technologies for Southeast Asia and beyond. Our ongoing partnership with the EDB underscores our commitment to making Singapore a global hub for innovation and technology. A thriving local business ecosystem and a core of competitive talent will allow our teams to continue driving science-based innovations that cater to local and regional consumers’ taste preferences and nutritional needs.”

With government backing, Nestlé R&D Singapore has already made strides in sustainable food innovation. One notable collaboration was with KosmodeHealth, a Singapore-based start-up, to create high-protein, high-fiber noodles made from upcycled spent barley grains. This initiative was recognized with the “Most Transformational Collaboration” Award by the Singapore International Chamber of Commerce in 2023. Such partnerships reflect Nestlé’s strategy of leveraging Singapore’s food-tech ecosystem to scale up sustainable solutions.

Rajat Kumar Jain, Managing Director of Nestlé Singapore, highlighted Singapore’s strategic advantage. “Situated in the heart of Southeast Asia, Singapore is well positioned to tap into the region’s rich culinary heritage and novel food trends to create innovative products in Asia, for Asia and beyond. The R&D Center complements our decades-old presence in Singapore, enabling us to rapidly develop, test, and roll out game-changing products, driving sustainable growth in Singapore and beyond.”

Nestlé’s investment aligns with Singapore’s Job Transformation Map (JTM) for the Food Manufacturing industry, which focuses on workforce upskilling in areas such as innovation, digitalization, and sustainability.

Melissa Guan, Acting Vice President & Head, Consumer, EDB, emphasized Singapore’s role as an innovation hub. “We have witnessed Nestlé’s growth over the past four decades to become one of the largest R&D centres in Singapore. Nestlé R&D’s latest investment to build future-forward capabilities in innovation, digitalisation, and sustainability underscores Singapore’s attractiveness as a regional R&D hub for consumer companies to partner with our local ecosystem to co-create and co-develop new products and processes.”

The Singapore R&D Center has played a pivotal role in Nestlé’s product innovation, contributing to major global and regional brands. Recent innovations include: a breakthrough sugar-reduction technology was developed for MILO beverages, which has been launched across Southeast Asia; new coffee experiences tailored for both hot and cold consumption were introduced for Nescafé, Starbucks, and Blue Bottle Coffee., tailored for both hot and cold consumption; and ice cream innovations were introduced under KitKat, MILO, and other Nestlé brands.