Mondelēz International Inc. announced the grand opening of its new global research and development (R&D) Innovation Center in Whippany, New Jersey. The state-of-the-art facility, supported by an investment of nearly $50 million, includes pilot and scale-up capability for cookies, crackers and candy. The Innovation Center provides new capabilities and technologies that propel R&D for snacks including Oreo cookies, Ritz crackers and Sour Patch Kids candies.
“This strategic investment in our new Global Innovation Center will enable us to pilot exciting new snacking breakthroughs and bring about the next generation of innovation for Mondelēz snacks around the world,” Daniel Ramos, executive vice president and chief research & development officer at Mondelēz International, said in the announcement. “We’re proud to bring together industry-leading talent and capabilities in this facility to create new products, packaging and process developments across our portfolio of beloved snacks.”
Norberto Chaclin, global senior vice president, R&D Biscuits and Baked Snacks at Mondelēz International, added in the announcement: “Our Research & Development team at Mondelēz International is passionate about the important work we do to pioneer innovations, improve production processes and create consumer-favorite products for people to enjoy both here in the United States and in global markets. With this new Center now open, our team is well-positioned to set the standard for future snacking innovations around the world from right here in New Jersey.”
With the addition of the Whippany Global Innovation Center, Mondelēz further expands its footprint in New Jersey, at a location close in proximity to the company’s North American headquarters office. More than 50 R&D makers and bakers who support the Mondelēz business in North America and around the world will work at the new Global Innovation Center, from which they will partner closely with teams in North America, as well as teams across Mondelēz businesses and R&D facilities around the globe. Among the many innovations planned, the Whippany team will play an important role in supporting innovation on electric baking technology, which supports the company’s 2050 goal of net zero carbon emissions across its value chain.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the culmination of a multi-year effort by Mondelēz and was attended by local employees, company leadership, federal, state and local elected officials and other honored guests. As part of the day’s festivities, employees marked this important milestone with a milk and Oreo cookie celebratory toast, a tree planting ceremony led by the site’s Green Team focused on sustainability, and a commemorative beam signing at the site.
U.S. Senator Robert Menendez and U.S. House Representative Mikie Sherrill are two of many dignitaries and honored guests who celebrated the ribbon-cutting ceremony and acknowledged the global impact of this important facility.
“I’m thrilled to celebrate Mondelēz International’s investment in New Jersey with the opening of this Global Innovation Center,” Menendez said in the announcement. “Not only will this facility be a hub for research and innovation, but it will also provide a boost to the state’s economy and create job opportunities for New Jerseyans.”
U.S. House Representative Mikie Sherrill, who represents New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, added in the announcement: “It is wonderful to see Mondelēz International open a new Global Innovation Center right here in our community. This large investment reinforces the longstanding partnership between Mondelēz and the thriving business community in this area. I am proud to have the snacking powerhouse choose NJ-11 for such a significant global facility.”
