Internationalisering

ADM and Marel to accelerate alternative protein capabilities with new innovation Center

ADM and Marel are set to enhance alternative protein innovation through a new innovation center in Wageningen, the Netherlands. ADM, a leading food producer, and Marel, a provider of advanced food processing solutions, will create a collaborative space aimed at supporting next-generation protein-forward foods from concept to commercialization. The innovation center, which is set to open in the second half of 2024, will enable food manufacturers to work with scientists, extrusion experts, and culinary professionals to prototype, manufacture, and market new alternative protein products.

ADM Signing

Jesper Hjortshoj, President of Wenger and VP Business Development, Marel; Mel Tunderman, VP Savory, ADM. 

ADM is a leading player in food ingredients and flavors used to make food and drink for humans and animals. Headquartered in Chicago, ADM employs more than 35,000 people worldwide at the multinational company.

“The creation of this innovation center is another example of our continued investment in expanding our alternative protein innovation and investments in the talent and technologies that will help us meet the needs of our growing population,” said Allyson Fish, president of global plant and alternative proteins for ADM.  “Partnering with Marel is an important step for ADM to advance protein innovation for the EMEA region and beyond. ADM's expansion will also support the increasing consumer demand for a variety of protein offerings, with trainings and workshops aimed at inspiring next-generation solutions with exemplary sensory experiences,” Fish added.

Addition to the Foodvalley ecosystem

ADM's new innovation center is good news for the ecosystem in the Foodvalley region, which is known worldwide for food innovation and protein transition.

Francine Hellinga, project manager Food at Oost NL: "It's great that a major international player like ADM chooses the Wageningen Campus. This creates opportunities for new collaborations between companies and knowledge institutions. The East Netherlands is at the forefront of the protein transition theme, which can be seen in the strong Protein Community." Oost NL, together with the Wageningen Campus, supported ADM by advising on location, network, and personnel.