Nestlé R&D Centre Singapore
Nestlé opened its first Asian R&D Centre in Singapore in 1980. Formerly known as the Eastern Research Company (Eastreco) (Pte) Ltd, R&D Singapore was opened in response to the fast economic growth in the region and chosen for its well-connected infrastructure, political and economic stability, and multi-cultural society.
Over the years, R&D Singapore has played a key role in developing innovative products and technologies for Southeast Asia and beyond for both Nestlé’s retail and out-of-home business, growing together with Nestlé’s business in Southeast Asia.
Originally focused on culinary products for retail and food service, R&D Singapore’s portfolio then expanded with the establishment of our MILO Hub in 2006, our NESCAFÉ White Coffee Cup Hub in 2011, and our Ice Cream NDU in 2020.
In 2016, the Nestlé Research Centre Asia, which will have a strong focus on Healthy Ageing, was set up. It is an extension of Nestlé’s strategic innovation partnership with the Singapore government’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR).
In 2021, Nestlé completed the upgrading of its R&D Centre, marking the centre’s 40th year anniversary in Singapore. The upgraded R&D facilities feature state-of-the-art labs, experimental kitchens, consumer testing, sensory evaluation rooms, open working spaces, as well as Nestlé’s fundamental research hub.
The upgraded facilities also include a new regional R&D Accelerator, part of Nestlé’s global R&D Accelerator network, which provides a world-class platform for start-ups, students, and Nestlé employees in the region to develop and test novel concepts in under six months.
Apart from our R&D role, the Nestlé Quality Assurance Centre (NQAC), which started operations in 1981, also ensures quality assurance of our products for the region.
Today, R&D Singapore is a partner in Nestlé’s global network of 23 Product Technology Centres and R&D Centres. R&D Singapore employs approximately 220 people, and has a multicultural environment (around 20 different nationalities) of food scientists, technologists, engineers, packaging experts and other technical staff.
