Conagra Brands has unveiled plans for a new US innovation site as it targets the “rapid development” of contemporary, on-trend products.
The 40,000-square-foot Center for Food Design will be located next to the company’s headquarters in Chicago and will focus on innovation related to snacking, described by Conagra as “one of the fastest-growing occasions in food”.
The facility is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2020 and will house up to 50 employees, including food and packaging designers and members of Conagra’s culinary team.
“Conagra Brands’ $2 billion snacks business is one of the largest and fastest-growing in the food industry,” said Tom McGough, executive vice president and co-chief operating officer for Conagra Brands.
“Our strong snacking portfolio is positioned for long-term growth and we expect the capabilities in this new facility to enable us to create even more innovative products that our consumers will love.”
Corey Berends, senior vice president, research and development for Conagra Brands, added: “The Conagra Brands Center for Food Design in Chicago will be a fresh, collaborative space with state-of-the-art capabilities to provide our talented team with the right resources to help grow Conagra’s snacking business.
“In addition, the expansive kitchen and tasting area will be an ideal place to collaborate with our customers and develop new food solutions.”
Conagra said it will continue to operate its Center for Food Design and Technology in Omaha, Nebraska, which will focus on the company’s frozen, refrigerated, shelf-stable meals as well as condiments and enhancers. Omaha will also remain the research and development hub for the company’s food safety and technology development teams.
Earlier this year, Conagra announced an investment of approximately $78 million to modernise its Birds Eye operations in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.
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