Plant-based butter and spreads producer Upfield Group has announced its plans to open its new Food Science Centre in Wageningen, the Netherlands, with a €50m investment.

According to the plans submitted to the Works Council, the company intends to open the new facility by the end of next year.

Headquartered in Amsterdam, Upfield is engaged in the production of plant-based margarines, spreads and cheeses.

Upfield Group CEO David Haines said: “The announcement today demonstrates our commitment to ambitious and pioneering research and development. Our track record is good. Since Upfield was established less than two years ago, we have already launched new and industry-leading plant-based cheese, cream and butter products.

“The new Upfield Food Science Centre will allow us to accelerate our ambitious agenda and develop even more options so people can enjoy great-tasting, natural, plant-based foods that are not only beneficial to their health, but to the planet.

“As a global leader in plant-based nutrition, we are extremely excited by what this investment means for the future of the category.”

The company stated that its move to build the new facility demonstrates its commitment to developing food from plants and using sustainable packaging solutions.