Kraft Foods opened its new European biscuit research and development center in Saclay, France. The new facility represents the culmination of a two-year-project with a total investment of approximately $20 million.


Kraft Foods, Northfield, Ill., opened its new European biscuit research and development center in Saclay, France, a suburb of Paris. This new facility will support product development for many of Europe's most beloved biscuit brands, includingLU, belVita, Oreo, Mikado, Prince, SaiwaandTUC. Kraft Foods chairman and CEO Irene Rosenfeld was on hand for the ribbon cutting Oct. 20, which represents the culmination of a two-year-project with a total investment of approximately $20 million.

"France is an important market for biscuits in Europe and for Kraft Foods' snacking business globally. This investment makes good business sense, supporting us in our efforts to drive future biscuit innovation and growth," says Timothy Cofer, president, Kraft Foods Europe. "Consumers in Europe and around the world have long enjoyed our exceptional biscuit brands and, with the support of this new center, we will be able to create many more delicious snacking moments for our consumers for years to come."

The new R&D center is home to 120 employees, including researchers, engineers, nutritionists, baker-pastry cooks and product and packaging developers dedicated to supporting the European biscuit business. The center joins 11 other Kraft Foods R&D centers.