Heineken brews innovation with new R&D center
Heineken is investing €45 million in a state-of-the-art Global Research & Development Centre in Zoeterwoude, Netherlands.
Published on November 13, 2024
Heineken is investing €45 million in a state-of-the-art Global Research & Development Centre in Zoeterwoude, Netherlands. Opening in mid-2025, the Dr. H.P. Heineken Centre will be a hub for innovation, focusing on developing new products and enhancing existing ones. The 8800 m² facility will employ international experts and collaborate with Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), driving advancements in brewing technology and sustainability.
This move aligns with Heineken's 'Brew a Better World 2030' strategy, aiming to accelerate progress towards a net-zero, fairer, and healthier world. The center's location near Heineken's large brewery and its history of innovations, such as Heineken 0.0 and the Draught Keg, positions it to maintain the Netherlands' leadership in food technology and biotechnology-based brewing technologies.
A legacy of innovation
The new Dr. H.P. Heineken Centre is poised to continue Heineken's innovation tradition. Named after Dr. Henry Pierre Heineken, a pivotal figure in the company's history, the center represents a major investment in the future of brewing. With a focus on innovation, it is expected to play a critical role in developing new products and enhancing existing ones.
Zoeterwoude, the chosen location for the center, is strategically situated near Heineken's large brewery and TU Delft. This proximity allows for seamless collaboration between industry and academia, a key factor in driving technological advancements. Furthermore, the center will serve as the beating heart of Heineken's global R&D network, which spans across several continents, including hubs in Mexico, South Africa, and South-East Asia.
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A collaborative approach
The center's collaborative approach extends beyond its partnership with TU Delft. It will engage with a diverse team of international experts and employ staff from 12 countries, fostering a multicultural environment that encourages the exchange of ideas. This collaborative ethos is central to the center's operation, as it seeks to harness the collective expertise of its team to drive innovation. Additionally, the center will provide opportunities for master's and PhD students to engage in cutting-edge research, further strengthening the link between academia and industry.