Royal FrieslandCampina intends to concentrate the majority of its research and development activities in the Netherlands in Wageningen and the organisation believes this decision will contribute to a strengthening of its innovative power.

The development of new consumer products and ingredients and the renewal of processes are of major importance to strengthening FrieslandCampina's distinctive edge. As a globally operating company, FrieslandCampina has R&D activities in a range of countries and actively seeks co-operation with knowledge institutes and other companies for research and development purposes.

To innovate and to develop knowledge more rapidly and effectively, FrieslandCampina decided in March 2010 to combine the R&D activities in Deventer, Tilburg and Wageningen. Some 250 professionals work on research and product and process development for consumer dairy, cheese and ingredients in these locations.

Following thorough deliberations in the recent period, in which commercial considerations and consequences for staff members played an important role, it was decided that a new location in Wageningen was the ideal option. Wageningen plays a central role in Food Valley, the internationally oriented hub of knowledge institutes and companies active in R&D in the field of nutrition.

The Central Works Council of FrieslandCampina in the Netherlands will shortly be requested to issue its advice on the proposed decision. The different options for the future R&D location in Wageningen will be elaborated in time to come. It is anticipated that a definitive decision can be taken in mid-2010.