Unilever Opens $94 Million Global Innovation Centre For Vegan Foods In The Netherlands

It’s a sign of the times: we’re looking at a plant-powered future. Unilever, one of the world’s largest food and consumer goods companies, has launched a unique centre called the Hive Foods Innovation Centre to make “food that tastes good, feels good and is a force for good.”

Located in Wageningen, Netherlands, the centre is all about promoting sustainability and food security with a focus on plant-based food and meat alternatives, crop efficiency, nutritious foods and sustainable packaging. The Hive will connect stakeholders from all sides of the spectrum, including startups, academia, food experts and students.

Together with its partners, Unilever aims to transform the food industry into a healthy and sustainable system, driving innovations that are healthier for people and for the planet. “We need a fundamental transformation of the food system if we are to feed more than nine billion people sustainably and nutritiously…Malnutrition, obesity, climate change, and food waste are issues that can only be addressed if we work in partnership to accelerate technology and innovation," said Alan Jope, CEO of Unilever.

Last year, Unilever acquired vegan brand The Vegetarian Butcher. With The Hive, the company and will lead food innovation for The Vegetarian Butcher along with other brands like Knorr, Hellman’s and Calvè.

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