HEREFORD-based Cargill Meats Europe has unveiled its latest investment – an innovation centre at its Grandstand Road site.

Opened by Marie-Pierre Membrives, the senior manager of McDonald’s European Food Studio, the centre is set to become the flagship hub for innovation in the UK poultry industry.

The company, which was formerly known as Sun Valley, celebrates its 50th anniversary in Hereford next year.

The new, ultra-modern facility houses 16 new offices, an innovation workshop, an area dedicated specifically to new product development and a product development kitchen.

Company marketing and innovation director Yana Childs said: “As a company, innovation is at the heart of everything we do and we always try to be as forward-thinking and creative as we can, especially when it comes to consumers.

“But in the food business it’s not just about ideas, you need to get into the consumer mindset to really get a feel for the brief and then you need the tools to turn it into a reality. So we have created this cutting-edge space for our employees to really help them in their quest to deliver the best possible products to satisfy the needs of our customers and ultimately their customers – the consumers.

Over the coming years, the centre will create a number of new poultry meals for a selection of Cargill Meats Europe’s international customers including major retailers and foodservice operators.