December 10/Copenhagen,Denmark/Tendersinfo News -- Danisco will obtain European Investment Bank (EIB) funding of 120 million euros for research, development and innovation investments.

Under the terms of the loan agreement, signed at Danisco s head office in Copenhagen, the EIB will lend up to 120 million euros to part-finance investments at corporate research and innovation centers predominantly in Denmark, Finland, the U.K. and France. Danisco notes its research is in line with the objectives of the European Union's food for life platform under the 7th framework program. These objectives include developing an environmentally friendly production and distribution chain.

The loan will part-finance Danisco research and innovation from 2010-14.

"The EIB is delighted to support this important research, development and innovation (RDI) programm with Danisco, one of Europe's most successful companies in the knowledge economy, which is key to Europe's competitiveness and long-term economic growth. The operation we are signing will improve the quality and safety of food. It aims to contribute to the company s more efficient use of raw materials in food production and limit losses in food production," says Plutarchos Sakellaris, EIB vice president with responsibility for Denmark.

"As a world leader in food ingredients, enzymes and bio-based solutions, Danisco very much appreciates the EIB support reflected by this loan. Danisco is more dedicated than ever to addressing global challenges through research and development. The dramatic increase in the world's population is far reaching in terms of food reliability, access to reliable energy supplies and climate change complexities. We need to adopt a more sustainable way of life, and this loan supports Danisco's efforts to bring new products and solutions to the market," says Tom Knutzen, CEO, Danisco A/S.

From the December 20, 2010, Prepared Foods E-dition