Roquette, the global plant-based ingredients specialist, has opened a Food Customer Technical Service (CTS) Centre in Singapore. The new site further intensifies Roquette’s technical capabilities in Asia, which currently rely on CTS Centres in Shanghai (China), Mumbai (India), Tokyo (Japan) and Singapore.
The Food CTS Centre joins Roquette's Asia Pacific Innovation Centre based in Singapore that has already developed strong expertise in R&D and in the pharmaceutical market.
“The opening of this new Food CTS Centre in Singapore is a proof-point of our resolve to better serve our customers," said Rod Quin, VP of the Roquette Food Global Business Unit.
Quin said Asia is a major focus area for Roquette and this new centre will help the company extend activities into key markets in the region by bringing us closer to our customers.
"Roquette is strongly positioned to meet specific Asian consumer needs in Food, Nutrition and Health markets as dietary habits and lifestyles continue to evolve," he added.
The CTS Centre will have a broad range of capabilities including formulation, texture improvement, new application development and understanding of the features of ingredients in finished products.
The company aims to staff this new centre with five scientists by the end of 2019 and to be a true partner for its customers in innovation, novel food technologies, formulation and application, providing also training to support application development.
The Food CTS Centre’s customer base will consist of multinational companies, regional players and local startups. It will bring together technology and expertise to develop solutions with a unique sensory experience in baking, dairy, confectionary, savoury and specialized nutrition market segments.
Market potential
The burgeoning middle class throughout Asia and their distinct tastes and requirements underpin Roquette’s strategy to continue expanding its presence in the region.
Roquette has reported that increasing health consciousness and consumer concerns over sustainability across the region have created an increasing demand for its plant-based products, such as new sources of protein.
According to Mintel (2017 Food and Drink Trends report), vegetarian claims increased by 140% for food and drink launches in Southeast Asia between 2012 and 2016.
Roquette said the new opening will also allow the company to further develop strategic partnerships with customers, universities and research institutions in the region, and will also help in tailoring solutions to the distinct preferences, health requirements and cultural needs of Asian consumers.
