• February 2, 2011

Nestle and General Mills have officially opened an innovation center for Cereal Partners Worldwide (CPW), a joint venture between the two food makers that was created in 1990. 

Separately, Nestle announced the acquisition of a UK-based maker of specialty food products for people with medical conditions--a purchase reflecting Nestle's focus on science-based nutrition.

Located in Orbe, Switzerland, the new $50-million facility will focus on innovations that deliver new "nutrition, taste and quality benefits" in CPW breakfast cereals, according to the companies. In addition to product development and nutrition research, the center will work on packaging and technology advances as platforms for future growth.

CPW has become the world's second-largest cereal producer, with more than 50 brands marketed in 130 countries.

In a separate nutrition/health-related development, Nestle has acquired UK-based CM&D Pharma Ltd., a small company that specializes in developing products for people with kidney or bowel disease and colon cancer, reported Reuters. One example: a chewing gum for people with kidney disease. 

The acquisition complements the Nestle Health Science unit, the hub for Nestle's strategic emphasis on science-based nutrition.