Campbell centre to boost product innovation

Campbell Grocery Products unveils a £3m research and development centre this week, as part of a plan to increase its UK product development programme.

Campbell Grocery Products unveils a &£3m research and development centre this week, as part of a plan to increase its UK product development programme.

The centre is housed in a four- storey converted cannery in Worksop, Nottinghamshire. It features a range of innovations such as development kitchens ,which will be used to test new products, a packaging technology area and a “sensory and product guidance centre” where consumer panels will meet up to test products.

This is the first purpose-built research and development centre opened outside of the company’s US headquarters. It will also be used by its European businesses.

Campbell managing director Mark Alexander says: “We will throw our weight behind investing in product innovation to drive the growth of our UK portfolio.

“Our range comprises iconic market-leading brands and we are continually looking for opportunities to drive category growth through keeping these products up to date with consumer trends.”

The move comes as the company’s UK operation restructures its marketing department. Last week it emerged that former Bulmers marketing controller Annie Neal was to take the post of category marketing director for hot snacking, while a raft of other marketers had made plans to leave (MW last week).