Calbee America, Inc., a snack pioneer for over 70 years, is strengthening its domestic innovation capabilities with the introduction of a new R&D Innovation Center in Madera, Calif. Planned to help the company grow in double digits annually, the center will support the team in bringing Asian-flavored offerings to the mainstream marketplace and expanding Harvest Snaps’ presence as a better-for-you brand in the salty snack category. x

Complete with a state-of-the-art kitchen and offices accommodating up to 15 researchers, the facility will leverage the latest food industry technology from Japan to create products ranging from tortilla and potato chips to popcorn, cereal and crackers. Different ingredient bases and flavors, along with improvements in texture and new snack shapes will be explored, and products can be certified organic, gluten free, non-GMO and kosher. A grand opening will take place on Friday, January 24.