Alfa Laval breaks ground on global food innovation hub

Alfa Laval has officially marked the start of construction on its new Food Application & Innovation Center with a groundbreaking ceremony in Søborg, Copenhagen.

The facility is designed to be a world-leading hub for research and development, aiming to tackle the urgent global challenge of feeding a growing population sustainably.

Located at the headquarters of Alfa Laval’s Food & Pharma businesses, the 1,200-square-meter facility is scheduled for completion in spring 2027. Once operational, it will showcase the company’s full portfolio of technologies, providing a dedicated space for testing and developing solutions for both traditional and next-generation food production.

The investment comes at a critical time for the industry. With the United Nations estimating that global food production must increase by 70% by 2050, the center represents a major milestone in Alfa Laval’s mission to build a more resilient food system.

“Innovation is what we do at Alfa Laval, and the Food Application & Innovation Center will be a world-leading facility in the heart of Copenhagen,” said Johan Agrell, strategic business development manager for the Food & Pharma Division. “This is a major investment that will see us building stronger bridges with customers and partners, from start-ups to global producers.”

A focus on the protein transition The center’s initial focus will be on protein processing, identified as one of the most pressing challenges for the industry. Researchers will explore both traditional protein extraction and innovative fermentation-based bio-solutions.

The facility is designed to address production challenges holistically. Beyond simply increasing output, the center will work to enhance yields while minimising environmental impact — specifically by reducing energy and water consumption and maximising resource recovery from waste streams.

“Alfa Laval is proud to be walking the talk and establishing ourselves as part of the ecosystem that is looking to find resilient food solutions for meeting the global supply challenge,” Agrell added.

The project, which was first announced in January 2025, has now moved into the execution phase with Danish construction and engineering contractor IBG appointed to lead the build.

The new center will build upon the success of Alfa Laval’s Innovation House, established in Copenhagen seven years ago. It is intended to be a collaborative space where large corporations can fine-tune industrial processes, start-ups can establish proof of concept for scaling up, and academic researchers can test pioneering ideas.

“This is an exciting moment,” Agrell said. “Alfa Laval has been around for 140 years, and with our range of technologies, solutions, and competences, we aim to be at the forefront of the drive to build a more resilient food system.”