Kraft Foods officially opened its new European Biscuit Research and Development Centre in Saclay, France, a suburb of Paris, last week.

The new facility will support product development for many of Europe's most beloved biscuit brands, including LU, belVita, Oreo, Mikado, Prince, Saiwa and TUC.

Kraft Foods Chairman and CEO Irene Rosenfeld was on hand for the ribbon cutting, which represented the culmination of a two-year-project, with a total investment of €15 million.

"France is an important market for biscuits in Europe and for Kraft Foods' snacking business globally. This investment makes good business sense, supporting us in our efforts to drive future biscuit innovation and growth," said Timothy P. Cofer, President, Kraft Foods Europe.

"Consumers in Europe and around the world have long enjoyed our exceptional biscuit brands and, with the support of this new Center, we will be able to create many more delicious snacking moments for our consumers for years to come."