Bolthouse Farms, a manufacturer and processor of salad dressing and carrots, has opened a new US innovation centre.
The US$5m facility will accelerate NPD across the group's portfolio and will "integrate marketing and research" to create new products.
"The Innovation Center is a fitting next step toward Inspiring the Fresh Revolution as it enables us to further enhance how healthier foods, beverages and snacks are developed and marketed," said Jeff Dunn, CEO of Bolthouse Farms.
Located at the company's headquarters in California, the new site is equipped with test kitchens and a sensory centre.
Bolthouse Farms Unveils Innovation Center
New $5 Million Dollar Center Reflects Commitment to Making the Healthier Choice the Easier Choice Through the Development of Breakthrough Fresh Foods, Beverages and Snacks
BAKERSFIELD, Calif., Jan. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Bolthouse Farms unveiled its state-of-the-art, Innovation Center today at the company's headquarters in Bakersfield, CA. The facility is designed to accelerate new product development and enhance current Bolthouse Farms offerings across the company's portfolio of beverages, salad dressings and fresh carrots. The Innovation Center will integrate marketing and research to create new products intended to help consumers make healthy food choices.
"The Innovation Center is a fitting next step toward Inspiring the Fresh Revolution as it enables us to further enhance how healthier foods, beverages and snacks are developed and marketed," said Jeff Dunn, CEO of Bolthouse Farms. "Our investment in consumer research and new innovations in food science will enable us to attract additional world-class talent to increase consumers' access to high quality, nutritious and affordable products."
The $5 million Innovation Center houses several test kitchens and a sensory center, which will allow product developers to utilize advanced technologies as they research food and beverage ingredients and products. The 17,900 square foot complex is currently staffed with 40 employees. The center will greatly expand the potential number of products Bolthouse Farms brings to market on an annual basis and enable the introduction of completely new product categories.
Today's unveiling of the Innovation Center was marked by a ribbon cutting event this morning at 10:00 AM, featuring opening remarks from Bolthouse Farms Chief Operating Officer, Scott LaPorta, immediately followed by comments from Bakersfield Mayor, Harvey Hall. Other local public officials in attendance included: City Council Member, Russell Johnson, a representative from Congressman, David Valadao's office, Betsy Ramsey and two representatives from Senator Jean Fuller's office, Dana Culhane-Brennan and Romeo Agbalog. The event also featured a guided tour of the newly revealed complex.
