Dsm-Firmenich Inaugurates Van Marken Food Innovation Center in Delft

Dsm-Firmenich has officially opened its Van Marken Food Innovation Center in Delft, marking a major step in its strategy to transform the future of food. Strategically located at the Dutch Biotech Campus Delft, the centre serves as the global headquarters for the company’s €3 billion Taste, Texture & Health business unit and will house more than 400 employees.

Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including advanced application labs, tasting rooms, and a co-creation kitchen, the centre focuses on developing sustainable plant-based alternatives, sugar reduction solutions, and lactose-free products. Designed to meet the highest wellbeing and environmental standards, it is targeting WELL Platinum and BREEAM Outstanding certifications. Patrick Niels, President of the Taste, Texture & Health business unit, highlighted the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, while Wouter Kolff, King’s Commissioner of Zuid-Holland, emphasised the centre’s role in boosting the region’s knowledge ecosystem and economic growth.

The centre pays tribute to Jacques van Marken, founder of the Yeast and Spirits Factory—later Gist-Brocades—which was acquired by DSM in 1998, recognising his pioneering contributions to business and social reform. With a legacy dating back to 1869, dsm-firmenich has continuously advanced food innovation, from natural preservatives to enzyme technologies that enable lactose-free dairy. This new facility strengthens its global leadership in sustainable nutrition and reinforces its long-standing connection to Delft and the Netherlands.

Source: dsm-firmenich