Nestlé announces research partnership with CSIR

The partnership is aimed at contributing to various research and development work based on indigenous South African biodiversity to evaluate the potential for nutraceutical and functional foods with proven health benefits.

The agreement follows the 2011 visit by delegates from the CSIR, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Technology and Innovation Agency (TIA) to the Nestlé Research Centre (NRC) in Lausanne, Switzerland where Nestlé demonstrated its leading research and development capabilities, research programmes and the company's experience in translating academic research into commercial products that have a beneficial impact on the life of consumers.

Nestlé, CSIR and the DST have all expressed a mutual interest towards making a tangible contribution to the scientific development of SA and Africa as a continent.

"We expect that this collaboration will help to provide the scientific basis for sound nutrition and food safety policies, as well as identifying research needs for science-based regulations on food, nutrition and health. We will also explore ways to translate this work into tangible food products that will benefit consumers in SA, as well as other parts of the world," said executive board member of Nestlé, Nandu Nandkishore.

According to CSIR CEO, Sibusiso Sibisi, the joint venture would provide CSIR scientists with access to international technologies in the field of nutraceuticals, functional foods with demonstrated health benefits.

It would also enhance the CSIR's capacity to better understand industry development cycles and requirements for the commercialisation of such products and in addition it would add value to its indigenous resources through exposure to modern technologies in developing new food-based products, he noted.

"New products developed through this collaboration will be manufactured in SA in compliance with international standards, leading to development of new skills and ultimately creation of new jobs in the biosciences industry," he added.

The signing ceremony was attended by dignitaries from the DST, CSIR, TIA, Nestlé Global Zone Management and Nestlé SA board of directors and executive management.