Danone opens Shanghai R&D, Innovation Center in China

CHINA – Danone has inaugurated the Shanghai R&D and Innovation Center in the Jinqiao Development Zone of Pudong, ahead of the 9th China International Import Expo, as a gift to the Expo with its technological innovation achievements.

Danone’s Shanghai R&D and Innovation Center covers an area of ​​5,200 square meters and brings together approximately 130 interdisciplinary professionals, focusing on research across multiple categories including early life nutrition, adult medical nutrition, and drinking water and beverages.

The center houses an integrated R&D laboratory, a 900-square-meter microbiome research laboratory, a 300-square-meter science experience and consumer interaction space, and a 700-square-meter pilot plant.

Furthermore, the center also houses Danone’s third global OneBiome laboratory, further advancing research in nutrition, the gut microbiome, and the relationship between health by connecting to Danone’s global microbiome research platform.

The center will not only serve the Chinese and Asia-Pacific markets but also contribute to Danone’s global research and innovation agenda, further embodying Danone’s philosophy of “In China, For China, For the World”.

Bruno Chevot, President of Danone Asia Pacific and CEO of Danone China, said, “China is not only one of Danone’s most important strategic markets, but is also increasingly becoming an important source of Danone’s global innovation. The Danone Shanghai R&D and Innovation Center will further consolidate our development foundation in China and strengthen our deep connection with China’s innovation ecosystem.

“With the help of this center, we can respond more quickly to the needs of Chinese consumers and patients, accelerate the transformation of cutting-edge science into nutritional solutions, and contribute Danone’s strength to the National Health 15th Five-Year Plan.”

The Shanghai R&D and Innovation Center continues Danone’s nearly four-decade-long commitment to scientific research and innovation in China.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Danone published 56 research papers, applied for 27 patents, and conducted nearly 30 local research projects in China, turning scientific insights into products and solutions that meet the health needs of different life stages.

Danone will work with universities, research institutions, and partners in the healthcare and innovation sectors to build a complementary and collaborative innovation ecosystem.

Additionally, it will cultivate research talent, accelerate innovation for the Chinese and Asia-Pacific markets, and integrate research insights and discoveries originating from China into Danone’s global R&D and innovation network.

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