Kellogg UK’s new innovation centre will ‘allow us to create in ways we’ve never done before’
Kellogg’s is celebrating 100 years since it first arrived in the UK.
The global conglomerate has a history rooted in innovation and was one of the first in the food industry to hire a registered dietician, as well as the first to print nutrition messages and product information on cereal boxes.
Manchester is already home to many of the business’ cereal creations, including Crunchy Nut, which was first thought up at its Trafford Park headquarters back in 1980.
The Centre – officially opened by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham – consists of a culinary kitchen, a sensory hub, a packaging design lab and a small-scale cereal factory, and will be home to Kellogg’s team of food developers, culinary experts, chefs and packaging designers.
The launch is part of Kellogg’s decade-long plan to ramp up its offers so they are better for people, the community and the planet. One of the first projects to come out of trials at the hub was the recent reduction of salt in Special K – by an average of 19.8% – while keeping the same taste.
Foods of the future
As well as reformulation, the Centre will the heart to trial new cereals, test new ingredients, experiment with recipes and invent the foods of the future.
“This new centre in Manchester will allow us to innovate and create in ways we’ve never done before,” said Jason Billingham, Kellogg’s senior director of R&D.
“It’s something we’ve been working towards for a long time, so it’s great to now see it come to life.”
The inclusion of the packaging design lab will allow the business to trial new sustainable packaging options, in line with its commitment towards 100% reusable, recyclable and compostable packaging by the end of 2025.
“As Kellogg’s this year celebrates its 100th anniversary since launching in the UK, it’s incredibly exciting to be opening a hub of food innovation as we look to what’s to come for us in the next 100 years,” added Chris Silcock, Kellogg’s UK VP.
“The space will be the source of new products, innovative packaging solutions and reformulation – that will not only be rolled out across the UK but will be seen by consumers across Europe.”
Kellogg’s UK hopes to bring the outside in at the new Culinary and Sensory Centre, and will be continuing its partnership with local charity, Foundation 92, to ensure that the communities they support can benefit.
