dsm-firmenich Opens Global Food Innovation Center in Delft
dsm-firmenich inaugurated the Van Marken Food Innovation Center in Delft, the Netherlands. The new center marks a significant milestone in transforming the future of food and is designed to help customers develop more delicious, nutritious, and sustainable food and beverage solutions.
The building will house the headquarters of dsm-firmenich’s Taste, Texture & Health business unit, as well as an ultra-modern co-creation kitchen, multiple tasting facilities, and cutting-edge application labs for the dairy, bakery, and brewery industries. From plant-based alternatives to sugar reduction solutions, and from superior taste experiences to enhanced nutrition, the center is designed to bring progress to life.
As a model of sustainability, the building will be certified with the highest “well-being” and sustainability standards, WELL Platinum and BREEAM Outstanding, ensuring a workspace that prioritizes both human and planetary health. The center will bring together more than 400 dsm-firmenich employees.
“The future of food is not just a vision, it’s a reality that we’re creating right now together with our customers,” said Patrick Niels, President of the Taste, Texture & Health business unit. “Our commitment to innovation and sustainability is unparalleled. Strategically positioned at the Dutch Biotech Campus Delft – the global food and biotechnology hotspot – the Van Marken Food Innovation Center underlines our ongoing dedication to contributing to the local environment and to the Netherlands, while honoring our 155-year legacy of food and biotechnology innovation in Delft.”
dsm-firmenich’s Van Marken Food Innovation Center is named after Jacques van Marken, founder of the Yeast and Spirits Factory. This factory, later known as Gist-Brocades, was acquired by former DSM in 1998. Van Marken was a visionary Delft entrepreneur and social reformer whose holistic approach to business was ahead of its time. This tribute recognizes van Marken as a pioneer, whose business and social values continue to inspire dsm-firmenich today.
Since 1869, dsm-firmenich and its predecessors in Delft have driven food innovations that have become part of everyday life, including healthy, tasty, sustainable food and drinks with reduced sugar and salt; natural antifungal preservatives to prevent spoilage; and enzymes that enable millions of people with lactose intolerance to enjoy dairy products.