Ingredients specialist IMCD has officially reopened its modernised Food & Nutrition application laboratory in Cologne, Germany.

The facility forms part of a new Life Science Hub that brings together the company's Food & Nutrition, Pharmaceutical and Beauty & Personal Care laboratories under one roof for the first time in Germany. The integrated approach is designed to accelerate product development through interdisciplinary collaboration while providing customers with hands-on support.

According to IMCD, the Food & Nutrition laboratory is equipped to support a wide range of applications including bakery, beverages, confectionery, dairy, savoury, edible oils and fats, fruits and vegetables, and nutritional products. The lab focuses on formulation challenges relating to taste, texture, nutritional enhancement and functional performance, combining application expertise with a broad ingredient portfolio.

Daniel Kany, business unit manager for Food & Nutrition at IMCD Germany, said the facility provides food and beverage customers with a ‘best in class environment’ for development, consultation and regulatory support.

Katja Wilmes, application technologist in the Food & Nutrition unit, highlighted the role of the centre in addressing complex formulation demands. She said: “Whether it is improving mouthfeel, intensifying flavour, extending shelf life or enriching products with nutrients, the interdisciplinary setup allows us to respond more precisely to changing market requirements.”

The Cologne site also houses IMCD’s long-established Pharmaceutical Technical Centre, which supports the development of pharmaceutical and dietary supplement formulations, as well as Beauty & Personal Care laboratory focused on skin, hair, sun care and cosmetic applications.

The Food & Nutrition laboratory is part of IMCD’s global network of more than 80 application laboratories worldwide. The facility is now open for customer visits and collaborative development projects.