KENYA – IMCD Group, a global leading distributor of speciality chemicals and ingredients, has made a significant advancement in East Africa’s food innovation landscape with the inauguration of its new Food and Nutrition Applications Laboratory in Nairobi, Kenya.
This facility is designed to provide a dynamic platform for the creation and optimization of formulations in various market segments, including beverages, bakery, dairy, confectionery, snacks, and savory foods.
Located strategically in Kenya’s capital, the lab serves as a hub for co-innovation, bringing together IMCD’s customers, suppliers, and technical experts to address the evolving needs of consumers across Kenya and the broader East African region.
“This significant investment by our company will definitely support the development of innovation concepts that shall inspire future menus and products,” said Faisal Abdi, the General Manager of IMCD’s business in East Africa.
“East Africa is a vibrant and diverse space, especially in the food and beverage side, where we see a lot of innovation and interest in adopting new trends, with the major drivers being the growing urbanisation and rising middle class, which are increasingly shaping consumer preferences and tastes. These have led to the growth of the formal retail and food delivery services in the region.”
During the lab’s launch event, customers and suppliers were invited to a firsthand experience of the lab’s capabilities, exploring diverse product innovations that align with local preferences.
George Olan’g, IMCD’s Food & Nutrition Business Unit Manager, underscored the lab’s role in setting new standards for food production and quality in East Africa.
“With the launch of our new Laboratory, we are making a significant leap in enhancing food innovation across Kenya and the broader East African region,” said Olan’g.
He highlighted that the facility is built to “support partners in navigating emerging trends” and meet rising consumer demands, reflecting IMCD’s strategic commitment to sustainability and innovation.
“We look forward to co-creating solutions with our customers to meet the consumer demand and set new standards of excellence in food production.”
The Nairobi lab forms part of IMCD’s global network, which integrates a wide array of technical services and specialized expertise in food and nutrition.
IMCD leverages these global insights to develop locally relevant solutions, ensuring that its partners in East Africa have access to high-quality, market-aligned food ingredients and formulation support.
The lab’s capabilities include advanced sensory analysis and application testing, which can improve product appeal, stability, and shelf life, critical factors for companies in the region aiming to expand their market reach and adhere to global quality standards.
Additionally, the lab’s focus on innovation and co-development with local partners allows it to contribute meaningfully to the region’s food security and nutritional needs.
Through tailored solutions, IMCD says it aims to foster resilience and sustainability in East Africa’s food industry while driving growth and establishing a foundation for long-term partnerships.
The launch was graved by several principal suppliers that partner with IMCD including Ingredion, Givaudan, DSM and Barry Callebaut.
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