On March 30, 2023, Jan Zandbergen Group celebrated the opening of their Food Innovation Center in exclusive Dutch company during the event: ‘The Taste of Innovation’. Guests could listen to lectures from the Rabobank and Wageningen University, among others, but above all, they could taste both animal and plant-based protein innovations. With the opening of the new innovation center, Jan Zandbergen Group makes it clear that they are more than just a meat company.
“We are an important player in the global protein supply,” said CEO Peter-Paul Zandbergen. “This innovation center is a place where our departments, customers and organizations come together. Where we can develop new products and explore different ways to produce them with sustainability in mind.”
The innovation center is located in Veenendaal, in the heart of the Dutch ‘Food Valley’, giving Jan Zandbergen Group access to some of the brightest minds in food technology and research. Collaborations have already been established with leading universities and organizations such as Wageningen University and The Protein Community of the Dutch ‘Food Valley’ region.
In addition, synergy between the various sister companies Divande and Future Food Group is necessary for progress, and that is what this center stands for.
During the opening event, ‘The Taste of Innovation’, guests were taken through the latest news, trends and challenges in food supply. Such as the growing demand for animal proteins, with corresponding challenges like sustainability and a consumer who primarily looks at price. In addition to inspiring lectures by experts, guests were treated to a range of innovative dishes from both meat and meat substitutes of the company. Internal sessions could also be attended to learn more about how the organisation ensures that its products are produced in a responsible and sustainable manner, without having to compromise on taste, quality, or health.
The new innovation center includes an ‘Experience Center’, where visitors can attend cooking demonstrations and tastings. In addition to a fully equipped professional kitchen with various catering ovens and an indoor BBQ, there is a fully equipped Research & Development research lab. The company’s own team of product developers already develop more than 100 products per year and will have even more possibilities thanks to these new facilities. “Innovation comes first, but both visitors and our employees must feel comfortable here,” says Laurens Zandbergen, Marketing Manager at Jan Zandbergen Group. For example, employees of the company can exercise in the on-site gym. There is an extensive company catering, the offices are spacious and each colleague has a sit-to-stand desk.
The innovation center is just one part of Jan Zandbergen Group’s efforts to become a leader in sustainable protein production. With this new center, the company has taken a step towards achieving its goal. As Peter-Paul Zandbergen stated: “Our mission is simple – we want to provide our customers with high-quality proteins that are produced responsibly and sustainably.”
Whether it is the use of advanced technologies or finding sustainable sources, Jan Zandbergen Group has shown that it is not afraid to take risks when it comes to innovation in food supply. Now that the new Food Innovation Center is open, it can continue to strive to make tastier, healthier and more sustainable proteins available worldwide.
View a recap of the Event here:
About Jan Zandbergen Group
Jan Zandbergen “Innovation that Matters” is an international player in the market for meat, meat products and plant-based meat substitutes. It serves retail, food service and industry in the European home market. By keeping a close eye on the ever-changing market demand, Jan Zandbergen Group responds to the food needs of tomorrow.
Thanks to years of experience in the market, expertise in a variety of fields, contributions to third-party research and in-house R&D department, and the right resources and capacity, Jan Zandbergen Group realizes new products, concepts and brands. Tailored and innovative solutions that add value and ensure relevance within the meat and plant-based market.
Jan Zandbergen Group consists of:
- Jan Zandbergen; Importer and supplier of raw materials, producer goods, finished products and concepts in the area of meat, poultry and plant-based meat successors.
- Diviande; Producer and packaging firm specialised in frozen-, fresh pre-packed meat and meat successors.
- Future Food Group; Product developer with a strong focus on vegetarian, plant-based and organic meat successors.
