US Dairy Export Council And FIRC Join Forces With Singapore Innovation Partnership
September 27, 2019
The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and the Food Innovation and Resource Centre (FIRC) at Singapore Polytechnic signed a partnership agreement in May 2018 that furthers U.S. dairy’s commitment to food innovation to meet the needs of Southeast Asian customers and consumers.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) lays out a framework under which USDEC and U.S. dairy suppliers will work together with FIRC to deepen dairy knowledge, develop innovative food products for the Southeast Asian market, and provide consumers in the region with more options suited to their specific tastes.
“Singapore is a hotbed of food innovation and the gateway to Southeast Asia,” said Tom Vilsack, USDEC President and CEO. “FIRC’s team of food technologists, packaging specialists and engineers is at the forefront of establishing Singapore as a strategic food hub. We are very excited to be working with this innovative group and look forward to sharing U.S. dairy technology and expertise.”
Martin Teo (left), USDEC Food Applications Technical Director, leads a 11-12 May 2018 U.S. permeate bakery innovation workshop at Singapore Polytechnic’s Food Innovation & Resource Centre (FIRC). Senior food R&D leaders from food companies in Singapore and Malaysia participated.
“This partnership allows U.S. dairy suppliers to be at the forefront of the product development process, become more customer-centric and enhance their level of service,” said Martin Teo, Food Applications Technical Director, with USDEC’s Singapore office.
“One of FIRC’s objectives is to leverage science and technology to develop food innovations and capture new markets,” said Ngan-Loong Mann Na, FIRC Centre Director. “We expect the dairy knowledge and spirit of innovation brought by USDEC and its members will advance progress toward that goal.”
The expanding U.S. dairy product portfolio stems from investments in research and development along supply chain – from farm families to milk processors to cheese and ingredient manufacturers. The US’ commitment to delivering a sustainably produced milk supply can satisfy the South East Asian region’s growing appetite for dairy.