"Nestlé’s success is built on meeting fast-changing consumer demand around the world. In this dynamic environment innovation, leadership is key to winning in the marketplace," says Mark Schneider, chief executive officer. "Strengthening our discovery research capabilities will give us an edge when it comes to developing the technologies for the next generation of must-have products."

Nestlé Research will be based in Lausanne, Switzerland, and will employ approximately 800 people. It will consist of three major research institutes—health sciences, material sciences and food safety and analytical sciences. The new organization will combine fundamental science at the highest level, high-end analytical platforms leveraged by all research teams and strong prototyping capabilities to accelerate the translation of science into innovation.

"Pushing the boundaries in innovation and developing an understanding of the impact of good nutrition on people’s health has been at the core of Nestlé since the very beginning of the company," says Paul Bulcke, chairman. "The strengthening of our research organization will enable us to accelerate insights, discoveries and breakthrough innovations. Switzerland’s collaborative research landscape creates the ideal environment for this."