McCormick launches UK flavour innovation centre

The herb and spice firm McCormick has opened a Technical Innovation Centre in Buckinghamshire, which it will use as a base for developing high flavour-impact products for the foodservice sector.

Located in in Haddenham, the Technical Innovation Centre (TIC) is said to be the first of its kind in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region.

James Millward, commercial director, McCormick UK said “The TIC gives us the ability to invite our customers to come and work hands-on with us to deliver some great results together.

“We are also looking forward to utilising the TIC to be able to share valuable insight with chefs and gain important feedback from them too.”

Kitchens and sensory lab

The Tic will include an area for concept development, kitchens for culinary testing and recipe creation, and a high-tech sensory lab for product evaluation.

The centre will bring together teams involved in consumer insight, marketing, sensory, culinary and product development.

McCormick also said sustainability was a key aspect in the development of the new centre. Projects such as recycled glass partitioning and low-wattage lighting have been used to reduce Tic’s carbon footprint.

Rick Gill, vice president at McCormick’s EMEA Technical and Research & Development said the £1.5m centre will be key to product development across the region.

“We want to lead in innovation and deliver winning products with superior flavours, positive nutrition and value, while ensuring those products are created with local tastes and flavour preferences in mind,” he said.