With an investment of €45 million, the Heineken Group has opened its new global Research and Development (R&D) center, Dr. H.P. Heineken. Located in Zoeterwoude, the Netherlands, the new facility will focus on improving brewing techniques and developing new beverages in line with consumer trends.
The company has observed that consumers are seeking new flavors, more natural ingredients and increasingly opting for low or no alcohol alternatives. With this new profile in mind, the R&D center was created with laboratories, sensory research facilities and packaging development departments. The aim is to accelerate product development and production advances to meet this emerging demand.
“As a vital part of our EverGreen Strategy, this new location will enable us to innovate faster and smarter, helping us create distinctive beers and beverages, improve our brewing processes and reduce our impact on the planet. It brings us closer to our Brew a Better World 2030 goals and is a proud demonstration of our global commitment to innovation,” said Dolf van den Brink, Chairman of the Heineken Group Executive Board.
Products to be developed include the next generation of Heineken 0.0, a new premium lager from the brand, and even non-beer options designed for different consumption occasions.
Located close to Delft University of Technology and the company’s largest brewery in Europe, the R&D center aims to bridge the gap between academic research, brewing expertise and the needs of the global market. The space hosts a multidisciplinary collaboration focused on innovation between Heineken’s international R&D teams, researchers and suppliers.
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*This text was translated by AI
