Yakult establishes first global R&D Innovation Center at Wageningen Campus
Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd., known worldwide for its pioneering probiotic products, has chosen Wageningen as the location for its first global R&D Innovation Center. With annual sales in 40 countries and regions, Yakult is strengthening its international research footprint by establishing “Yakult European R&D Center B.V.” at Wageningen Campus, in Gelderland, the Netherlands.
In their announcement Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd., states that; “Science and innovation have always been at the heart of Yakult’s mission. Establishing our first global R&D center outside Japan in Wageningen offers a rare and valuable opportunity to collaborate directly with world-class scientists and companies in the fields of food, nutrition, and life sciences. From here, we will develop new product concepts, address diverse consumer needs, and build future growth through innovation.”
Establishing our first global R&D center outside Japan in Wageningen offers a rare and valuable opportunity to collaborate directly with world-class scientists and companies in the fields of food, nutrition, and life sciences.
Addition to ecosystem
Yakult’s new center will focus on microbiology, nutrition, and health sciences, and will actively engage with academic and industry partners in the Wageningen ecosystem. Being part of Wageningen Campus means direct access to leading knowledge institutes such as Wageningen University & Research, as well as shared research facilities and collaborations with startups and established multinationals.
Anne Mensink, Manager Wageningen Campus & Shared Research Facilities, welcomed Yakult to the community: “Collaborative projects with researchers and students are already underway. Yakult’s presence further strengthens the knowledge base and innovation power of our campus, and we look forward to their active participation in various research programs.”
Angelique van Helvoort, senior FDI advisor Food & Health at Oost NL, emphasized the regional significance: “If we want to build a future with healthy and sustainable food, global leaders like Yakult play a key role. We are proud that Yakult has chosen Wageningen for its first global R&D center. Their expertise in probiotics and functional foods adds tremendous value to the existing ecosystem and underlines the international appeal of East Netherlands as a hub for food and health innovation.”
A brand-new home at Plus Ultra III
The Yakult European R&D Center will be located in Plus Ultra III, one of the newest landmark buildings on Wageningen Campus. This state-of-the-art facility, which will be completed this autumn, offers flexible laboratories and offices designed for collaboration and cross-fertilization between science and industry. Plus Ultra III will house a mix of innovative startups, scale-ups, and international R&D departments, making it an inspiring environment for Yakult’s scientists and collaborators. The building will also function as a lively meeting place, with shared spaces and facilities that stimulate interaction between companies and researchers.
Jasper Schipper, Commercial Manager at Kadans Science Partner, added: “We are delighted to welcome Yakult to Plus Ultra III. The building is created to foster innovation and collaboration, and Yakult’s choice for Wageningen Campus perfectly reflects that ambition. We look forward to supporting them in connecting with other tenants and partners within our international Kadans community.”
A strategic step for global innovation
Yakult has established this new European R&D Center as part of a broader strategy to evolve into a truly global enterprise. The investment highlights the importance of being close to cutting-edge science, a vibrant talent pool, and an international food innovation cluster.
The Yakult European R&D Center B.V. was officially founded on September 19, 2025, and will serve as Yakult’s global hub for food innovation and collaboration.
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