EIT announces winning Food4Future partnership
Givaudan is part of the winning EIT Food Knowledge and Innovation Community which will drive sustainable transformation towards a more consumer-centric and resource-efficient food sector.
The winner of the pan-European competition was announced by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) last week. Over the next seven years, the EIT Food Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) will build sustainable end-to-end food supply chains realised through transformative innovation and education initiatives, with a central role for the consumer.
Mauricio Graber, President Givaudan Flavour Division, said: “Givaudan has been working with our EIT Food partners over the past two years to craft the winning development plan, and we are naturally delighted our bid has been successful. We are fully committed to working together to develop a more sustainable food industry. The programmes and objectives are strongly aligned with Givaudan’s 2020 strategy which focuses on sustainability, health and well-being and working with our partners to create great tasting food.”
With broad coverage in EU member states and associated countries, EIT Food KIC is a unique partnership of 50 leading companies, universities, and scientific partners covering the entire food value chain. With the consumers as change agents, each partner is committed to jointly transform the way in which we currently produce, distribute and consume our food.
EIT Food will set up four innovation programmes targeting societal challenges: personalised healthy food (FoodConnects Assistant), the digitalisation of the food system (The Web of Food), consumer driven supply chain development and new technology adoption in farming, processing and retail (Your Fork2Farm), and resource efficient processes, turning the food sector into the spearhead for transforming the currently linear ‘produce-use-dispose’ model into a circular bioeconomy (The Zero Waste Agenda).
EIT Food KIC will build a trusted food innovation ecosystem to support consumers’ right to a healthy and more environmentally sustainable diet.
Chris Thoen, Givaudan Head of Global Science and Technology, said: “The best way to be prepared for the future is to actually create it. We believe EIT Food KIC is a great consortium and network to define and enable the future of food. Givaudan shares the EIT food philosophy of fostering innovation and putting the consumer at the centre of everything we do. We are excited Givaudan is playing its part in this.”
About Givaudan
Givaudan is the global leader in the creation of flavours and fragrances. In close collaboration with food, beverage, consumer product and fragrance partners, Givaudan develops tastes and scents that delight consumers the world over. With a passion to understand consumers’ preferences and a relentless drive to innovate, Givaudan is at the forefront of creating flavours and fragrances that ‘engage your senses’. The Company achieved sales of CHF 4.4 billion in 2015. Headquartered in Switzerland with local presence in over 80 locations, the Company has more than 9,500 employees worldwide. Givaudan invites you to discover more at www.givaudan.com.
About Givaudan Flavours
Givaudan’s comprehensive knowledge of local flavours, extensive global footprint and strategic insights enable close partnerships with customers wherever they may be. With a customised approach to product creation, the Flavour Division is a powerhouse of knowledge, innovation and creativity equipped to surprise customers and consumers with fresh, unique ideas and solutions. Givaudan creates lasting flavour and taste experiences that touch emotions across key segments including beverages, sweet goods, savoury and snacks; regardless of product category Givaudan’s passion is to make food and beverage products taste delicious. We invite you to ‘engage your senses’ and learn more about Flavours at www.givaudan.com/flavours.
About EIT
The EIT is an independent body of the European Union set up in 2008 to spur innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe to overcome some of its greatest challenges. It brings together leading higher education institutions, research labs and companies to form dynamic cross-border partnerships – Knowledge and Innovation Communities, KICs - that develop innovative products and services, start new companies, and train a new generation of entrepreneurs.
For further information please contact
Peter Wullschleger, Media and Investor Relations
T +41 22 780 9093
E peter_b.wullschleger@givaudan.com
Geraldine Claivaz, EAME Flavour Communications
T +41 44 824 2723
E geraldine.claivaz@givaudan.com