Global ingredient and service solution provider Glanbia Nutritionals is investing EUR 1.4 m to upgrade its R&D facility in Kilkenny/Ireland. The expanded site will be opening its doors for operation in Q3 of next year. The new technology and equipment at the facility will support the ideation and creation of F&B solutions for bars, snacks, baked goods, beverages and more for the European market. This announcement follows Glanbia’s positive financial year performance, with the company reporting an Ebita pre-exceptional of EUR 69.7 m at HY 2021, up 17.1 % constant currency on the prior HY (up 6.6 % reported).

The upgraded site aims to encourage more face-to-face customer interactions and meetings, supporting a rapid development process and delivering efficient prototyping. This will ultimately offer a swift route to market for brands creating new products, Glanbia highlights. Increased customer collaboration shall be supported by an investment in new equipment including bar and beverage processing technology.

According to Glanbia, more than 50 % of global consumers have switched from traditional snack products, like chocolate, to high protein or low sugar alternatives. The move to better-for-you and functional snacking has caused new ingredients – like seaweed – to come under the spotlight for their nutritional potential. Innova Market Insights reports that snack launches with seaweed as an ingredient have seen a CAGR of 16 % from 2016 to 2020. Some of the most popular health positionings include No Additives/Preservatives and GMO-Free.