SHANGHAI, CHINA — Archer Daniels Midland Co. has opened a new regional office and flavor and ingredient creation, application, development and customer innovation center in Shanghai. The site will be staffed by a team of food scientists, flavorists, applications experts, and sales, marketing and regulatory personnel.

“With today’s busy lifestyles, people are turning to healthier eating habits, accelerating changes in consumer tastes and preferences at an unprecedented rate,” said Donald Chen, ADM’s president, Asia. “For ADM, Shanghai has played a critical role in our continued growth and innovation. To help Asia-Pacific food and beverage customers remain a step ahead, we’re excited to leverage our technology, expertise and global scale.”

The facility includes a food and flavor analytic lab, beverage and dairy applications labs and pilot plants, a bakery lab, a confectionery and personal care lab, a culinary kitchen, flavor creation labs and sensory evaluation facilities.

The opening of the Shanghai center expands ADM’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region, where it employs more than 1,000. In China, ADM operates application labs in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou; a flavor production facility in Beijing; sweeteners and soluble fiber complex in Tianjin; animal nutrition facilities in Dalian, Tianjin, Nanjing, Zhangzhou and Xiangtan.

“Around the world, ADM continues to invest to ensure that we are the go-to solution providers for clean label, sustainable ingredients and great taste,” said Vince Macciocchi, president of ADM’s Nutrition business. “This new facility enhances our portfolio and capabilities ensuring our customers meet consumer demands for new, innovative food and beverages.”