Oatly has started development on its new research and innovation centre at Lund University, Sweden.
The facility is scheduled to finish construction in 2023 and will further “explore the potential” of oats and “drive a societal shift” towards plant-based foods.
It will be run by a team of 30 scientists over the coming year, with Oatly also expecting an additional 100 researchers to join its hubs in Europe, Asia and the Americas.
The dairy alternative brand said that its innovation department will examine oats from new perspectives, including microstructure, biochemistry, nutritional traits, biophysics and refinement.
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It aims to capitalise on the “unique competence and technology” available from the academic environment at Lund University.
The new research will be used to “enhance” its food and drink products, alongside the development of new consumer ranges.
“We’re excited to build on our strong foundation in science, research and innovation as we expand our team at Lund university,” Oatly food innovation vice president Sofia Ehlde said.
“We believe this new research and innovation centre will improve both our existing products and lead to new, innovative oat-based foods.”
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