Nestlé has announced a major revamp of its global research and development (R&D) capabilities, with new investments targeting biotechnology, clinical research and deep tech aimed at driving innovation in both human and pet nutrition — including pet therapeutics.
The company’s upgraded R&D efforts include new capabilities in precision fermentation, screening assays and biotic development — including next-generation postbiotics and synbiotics. These initiatives are expected to support scientific advances across maternal, early life and medical nutrition, as well as emerging areas such as healthy aging, women’s health, weight management, and pet care.
“The industry-leading biotechnology capabilities will deliver new ingredients with clinically proven bio-efficacy for precision nutrition for people and pets along their entire lifespan,” said Stefan Palzer, chief technology officer at Nestlé S.A. “The upscaling of our unique capabilities in deep tech are key to maximize efficiency in innovation and operations. And all of this is powered by a leaner and more agile R&D organization.”
Nestlé also plans to open a dedicated deep tech center by 2026 at its existing System Technology Center in Orbe, Switzerland. This will be the first such initiative in the food and nutrition sector, according to the company. The new center will focus on developing technologies such as next-gen sensors, robotics, artificial intelligence, and virtual/mixed reality tools — technologies Nestlé said could help improve both operational efficiency and personalized nutrition.
In the context of pet care, Nestlé’s increased focus on biotech and clinical research is expected to yield science-based pet therapeutic solutions and precision nutrition products. While the company did not specify product timelines, the investment signals a continued push into the growing field of functional and therapeutic pet nutrition.
“These new capabilities in biotech and deep tech will fuel growth by meeting changing consumer needs and accelerating the digital transformation of Nestlé,” said Laurent Freixe, CEO of Nestlé S.A. “This is about putting the Nestlé Virtuous Circle in action: unlocking investment through efficiencies to drive more focused and impactful innovation and growth.”
The changes will be supported by a streamlined R&D structure and project portfolio, as well as the redeployment of existing resources. Nestlé said its R&D strategy will continue to prioritize fewer but higher-impact initiatives in close alignment with its commercial teams.
According to Petfood Industry's Top Pet Food Companies, Nestlé Purina PetCare remains a top player in the global pet care industry. The company has three headquarters globally: St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. for its North American and Latin American operations; Lausanne, Switzerland, in Europe; and Sydney, Australia, covering Asia, Oceania and Africa. Its parent company, Nestlé's world headquarters, is in Vevey, Switzerland.
Adapted from a press release.
