DSM-Firmenich Launches Food Innovation Hub in the Netherlands
Delft, Friday, 3 October 2025.
DSM-Firmenich has opened the Van Marken Food Innovation Center in Delft, aiming to revolutionize global diets with sustainable and nutritious food products. The center houses their €3 billion Taste, Texture & Health business unit.
A New Era in Food Innovation
The Van Marken Food Innovation Center, inaugurated on 1 October 2025, is a testament to DSM-Firmenich’s commitment to transforming the food industry with sustainable and health-oriented innovations. Located in Delft, the Netherlands, this center is strategically positioned on the Dutch Biotech Campus, a renowned global hub for food and biotechnology. The facility is designed to the highest sustainability standards, including WELL Platinum and BREEAM Outstanding certifications, and will serve as the headquarters for DSM-Firmenich’s €3 billion Taste, Texture & Health business unit [1][2].
Driving Global Diet Transformation
The center is equipped with cutting-edge facilities for the development of advanced food technologies, including sugar substitutes, lactose-free products, and sustainable plant-based alternatives to traditional fish, meat, and dairy. These innovations aim to address global dietary challenges by promoting healthier and more sustainable consumption patterns. As the President of the Taste, Texture & Health business unit, Patrick Niels, emphasized, the center is not just a vision but a reality that DSM-Firmenich is creating in collaboration with their customers [1][2].
Regional and Global Impact
The establishment of the Van Marken Food Innovation Center has significant implications for both the local economy and the global food industry. Wouter Kolff, King’s Commissioner in the Province of South-Holland, highlighted the center’s role in strengthening the regional knowledge ecosystem and driving economic growth. This initiative is expected to enhance the region’s status as a leader in food innovation, while also contributing to global efforts to develop sustainable food solutions [1][2].
A Legacy of Innovation
The center is named after Jacques van Marken, the founder of the Yeast and Spirits Factory, which evolved into the current innovation powerhouse. Since 1869, DSM-Firmenich and its predecessors have been at the forefront of food innovation, developing products that address health and sustainability challenges. This legacy continues with the new center, which aims to be a springboard for the next generation of food solutions [1][2].