Global leading multi-local food and beverage company Danone unveiled its new Open Science Research Center for Life Transforming Nutrition in Shanghai on Thursday to carry out scientific research and development work in specialized nutrition.

The new center will develop evidence-based nutritional solutions tailored to the tastes, traditions and health needs of China's consumers.

After the establishment of the new research center, Danone will continue investing in it to promote healthy and balanced diets grounded in science and research, and tailored to the culinary habits, traditions, nutritional and health needs of Chinese consumers.

"As our planet grapples with a global pandemic, we need now more than ever to partner in the field of nutrition. This is where global leaders, such as Danone, can offer their expertise," Bruno Chevot, senior vice-president, Greater China & Oceania at Danone Early Life Nutrition.

"The new Danone Open Science Research Center will allow us to work closely with the Chinese public and private sector, universities, and dietary and medical experts to speed up the innovations we bring to market – both in China, and from China to other parts of the world," he said.

Research at the new center will focus on early life nutrition and nutrition for those with specific medical needs or the elderly – with a specific emphasis on breast milk research and gastrointestinal health.

The center also will carry out projects that apply new local market, data-driven insights and digital tools to these fields of nutrition.

Research and development projects that contribute to ongoing advances in food safety and quality in China also will be on its agenda.

China has grown to be Danone's second-largest market globally. In 2019 the country accounted for about 10 percent of Danone's global sales.

"The opening of the Danone Open Science Research Center is a testament to China and Shanghai's strength and capabilities as a nutritional science and innovation hub," said Cai Wei, director of Shanghai Institute of Pediatrics.

"We're excited to work with Danone, leveraging the new open platform to support the Healthy China 2030 plan and to quickly bring innovations to market - both for Chinese consumers, as well as consumers beyond China."

With Danone Open Science Research Center, Danone is expanding its research and innovation capabilities with today's two global research centers and seven specialized research centers throughout the world.