Dutch dairy co-op launches new food innovation lab targeting Asian palates

At the opening party, guests are served prebiotic-fortified teh-o and chocolate chip cookies, and shown displays of rose-coloured protein water and protein-fortified milk.

- Krist Boo Senior Business Correspondent

It is, after all, the launch of a new laboratory designed to bring confectioners and food manufacturers to Singapore to test, develop and launch cutting-edge nutritional products suited for Asian palates.

The Apac Application Centre is the largest of five such laboratories worldwide owned by Dutch dairy cooperative FrieslandCampina, known here for its Dutch Lady milk that has been sold in Singapore for six decades.

The new laboratory adds five new positions to the group's existing 110-strong team here, and 30 per cent more to its current research and development floor area at its premises in Science Park Drive.

The group officially launched the centre on Sept 15 with guests from major food producers such as Nestle, Morinaga, Reckitt, and Abbott, as well as officers from the Economic Development Board (EDB).