German food and beverage ingredients supplier Dohler Group inaugurated its Asia-Pacific R&D center in Shanghai's Minhang district on Dec 5, marking a major milestone in its continued growth in China.

The new facility, with a total investment that exceeds €4.2 million ($4.89 million), plans to recruit dozens of high-level researchers.

As one of Dohler's three leading global research hubs, it will focus on the needs of the Chinese and Asia-Pacific markets and accelerate the commercialization of innovative and sustainable solutions in the F&B sector.

Dohler is renowned for its expertise in natural ingredients, ingredient systems, and integrated solutions that support the global food, beverage, and nutrition industries.

Since entering China in 1996, the company has used Shanghai as a pivotal base for its expansion. It established Doehler Food and Beverage Ingredients (Shanghai) Co Ltd, and built its first production and application center in China.

This year, Dohler Shanghai was recognized by the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce as a multinational regional headquarters.

As its business expanded, Dohler Shanghai extended its focus from beverages to diverse sectors such as catering, dairy, baking, confectionery, and health products, building a strong presence across China.

To strengthen its innovation capabilities and meet rising market demands, Dohler began constructing the new R&D building in Minhang.

Completed in just 10 months, the facility integrates multiple laboratories, including those for grains, dairy, powdered flavors, dry blends, herbal extracts, and food processing research.

It creates a comprehensive R&D system that covers the full range of natural ingredients and provides systematic, professional, and forward-looking technical support and innovative solutions for the Asia-Pacific market.

"For the Dohler Group, the Shanghai center will become a crucial pivot in the worldwide innovation network. It will enhance our operations, allowing inspiration and innovation from the east to benefit customers around the world." Roman Kupper, president of Dohler Asia-Pacific.

He added that the new R&D center represents not only a "precision innovation engine" for China but also a "technology hub" across the Asia-Pacific region.

Sources: Minhang district government, Dohler Group