USA: Calbee to open R&D centre in Caliornia

The US subsidiary of Japan-based food major Calbee has announced the opening of a new R&D innovation centre in Madera (CA).

“Planned to help the company grow in double digits annually by accelerating innovation and product development, the facility will support the team in bringing Asian-flavored offerings to the mainstream marketplace and expanding Harvest Snaps’ presence as a better-for-you brand in the salty snack category”, the company said in a statement.

“The facility will create products ranging from tortilla and potato chips to popcorn, cereal and crackers that can be certified organic, gluten free, non-GMO and kosher”, it added.

Calbee America director of R&D Takuro Kris Tatsumi additionally commented: “We are so proud of the great-tasting, high-quality products that our team has brought to the North American marketplace to date and look forward to expanding our ability to innovate with a new hub here in the United States. We will explore different ingredient bases and flavors, along with improvements in texture and new snack shapes”.

The new facility will feature a kitchen and offices accommodating up to 15 researchers.

Source: Daily Republic