Nestlé opens first research unit in Japan

Nestlé S.A. has launched its first Japan-based research unit for fundamental scientific research.

The research unit, part of Nestlé Science and Research in Switzerland, is based at the University of Tokyo, and focuses on fundamental research in nutrition and health.

This collaboration between Nestlé and the University of Tokyo is further strengthened by a new joint research program called Food for Life.

The program will begin on 1 June 2009.

It will explore emerging research topics in health and nutrition such as healthy ageing with special focus on mobility and cognitive performance.

The research will provide the scientific basis for developing new products that will bring health benefits to consumers in Japan and world-wide.

Nestlé has committed around CHF1 million ($0.92 million) over a period of three years for a Chair endowed by Nestlé.

The research collaboration will also include the secondment of scientists from the Nestlé Research Center in Lausanne.