Nestlé shifts key R&D unit to Germany

Nestlé says research for new products will be based in Germany Keystone

Nestlé is to focus its research and development for food products such as soup and sauces in Germany, shifting staff out of Switzerland.

The Swiss food giant said the move would see research staff currently based in Switzerland and Bavaria consolidated in Singen, southern Germany.

Around 200 people are affected, some of whom will be offered jobs in other parts of the Nestlé group.

According to Nestlé, the company maintains some 17 food research centres around the world.

The shift comes at the same time as other major international firms shift their operations outside of Switzerland.

In May, the pharmaceutical giant, Novartis, announced it was relocating its research operations from Basel to the United States by building a new $250 million (SFr372 million) global research hub near Boston.

Logical move

Nestlé says the move to Germany is a logical way of consolidating its research and development in one of its biggest markets.

“[The move to Singen] represents the most efficient solution for Nestlé,” a company statement said.

“Germany is the group’s most important dehydrated culinary market as well as a key exporter to other European markets.”

swissinfo with agencies