Brenntag Specialties has opened a new Innovation & Application Center for Food & Nutrition in Leeds, marking the latest addition to its global network of 71 centres and the 31st dedicated to food and nutrition research. The facility strengthens Brenntag’s presence in the EMEA region, joining 13 other Food & Nutrition Centres and operating alongside the company’s established Personal Care Center, also based in Leeds.
The new centre will focus on research, development and technical support for a wide range of food and beverage applications. Its services include ingredient selection, formulation guidance, prototype development, customised solutions, and stability studies designed to help manufacturers accelerate innovation and bring new products to market.
Jerzy Jasinski, global president nutrition and president Brenntag Specialties EMEA, says the opening reinforces Brenntag’s role as a bridge between ingredient suppliers and manufacturers.
“Brenntag acts as an important link with our customers and suppliers to bring innovation closer to the marketplace,” he says. “The new centre is a great addition to our strong network of Food & Nutrition Innovation & Application Centres worldwide.”
The Leeds facility’s product focus will include bakery, dairy, meat and plant-based products, ready meals, sauces and dips, beverages and nutritional applications across the UK and Ireland. To support these sectors, the site is equipped with specialist food production and analytical equipment, enabling precise formulation and testing.
Among the key installations are MIWE and Rational ovens, a Tuttnauer autoclave, Mainca meat grinder, Vakona tumbler, Stephan and Hobart mixers, Silverson dispersion units, Carpigiani ice cream and sorbetto machines, a GEA homogeniser, and equipment for sous-vide preparation and canning. Analytical capabilities include texture analysis, viscometry, colourimetry, microscopy, moisture analysis, and pH, Brix and water activity measurement.
Located at Lawnswood House in North Leeds, the new centre sits alongside Brenntag’s UK headquarters and Personal Care Center, benefiting from proximity to customers, suppliers and the regional food manufacturing base. The site will also contribute to Brenntag’s international network by sharing best practice, technical insight and application expertise across its global operations.
