#United States #Calbee America #Harvest Snaps #Asian Snacks #Madera, CA

Calbee America Launches R&D Innovation Center in Madera, CA

Calbee America, Inc., a leader in the snack industry for over 70 years, has opened a new Research and Development (R&D) Innovation Center in Madera, California, specifically designed to bolster its capabilities in domestic innovation. Situated at 20237 Masa Street, the facility aims to facilitate significant annual growth by accelerating the innovation and development of new products.

The grand opening is scheduled for January 24th, 2025, at 10 AM and will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a coffee truck, and interactive booths sharing the company's rich history. Attendees will also have the opportunity to create their own snacks at a build-your-own snack station, highlighting Calbee’s commitment to engaging with its community.

As Japan's largest snack company, Calbee's U.S. division has shown substantial growth, particularly through its flagship Harvest Snaps brand. This brand is well-known for introducing veggie-based snacks that are both nutritious and appealing to consumers. Recently, the company added to its product line with 100% whole fruit snacks targeted at children, alongside Crunchy Puffs made from navy beans.

Additionally, Calbee’s renowned Asian snack brands, including the iconic Shrimp Chips, dominate the Asian salty snack market in mainstream retail, showcasing impressive annual growth rates. The introduction of Asian Style Chips is anticipated to further expand its market presence.

The new R&D Innovation Center will leverage advanced food technology from Japan to speed up the innovation process and create more Asian-flavored snacks tailored to the American palate. The state-of-the-art facility includes a fully equipped kitchen and offices to accommodate a team of up to 15 researchers dedicated to product development. This will enable the company to explore a variety of snack options, including tortilla and potato chips, popcorn, cereal, and crackers – many of which can be certified organic, gluten-free, non-GMO, and kosher.

Takuro Kris Tatsumi, Director of R&D at Calbee America, commented on the significance of this new hub: "We take great pride in the delicious, high-quality snacks we have introduced to North America. We are excited about expanding our innovation capabilities within this new facility. Our aims include experimenting with various ingredient bases and flavors, enhancing textures, and creating novel snack shapes to appeal to a wider audience."

Founded in 1949, the Calbee Group has set a standard in the snack industry with its philosophy of harnessing the power of nature to produce tasty and enjoyable snacks. Since expanding its operations in the United States in 1970, Calbee America has been dedicated to offering products that range from savory umami flavors to satisfying veggie options and crunchy fruity snacks.

For more information about the company’s latest offerings, you can visit their websites at CalbeeAmerica.com, HarvestSnaps.com, and Calbee.co.jp/EN/. Follow their social media accounts at @calbeeusa and @harvestsnaps to stay updated on new products and promotions.

Calbee America is poised to redefine the landscape of snack foods in the U.S. with its innovative spirit and commitment to quality, paving the way for healthier and tastier snack options that cater to the evolving tastes of American consumers.