01.20.17
Demonstrating a commitment to innovation in food, nutrition and life sciences, Applied Food Sciences, Inc. (AFS) is opening an innovation center in Iowa City, IA. The Austin, TX-based company is a natural ingredient supplier specializing in botanical extracts for food, beverages and supplements. The newly opened research and development center, is a multi-million-dollar investment located at the University of Iowa BioVentures Center (BVC) featuring molecular biology labs, advanced analytical and materials research laboratories, and a pilot production plant.
"AFS chose the BVC as our home for innovation for a number of reasons," said Chris Fields, vice president of scientific affairs at AFS. "The University of Iowa is home to a strong work ethic, a high level of professionals, and culture of innovation in the areas of Biotechnology and Food Science. What makes us the most excited is the opportunity to collaborate with other innovative companies in the areas of food technology, then merge those lessons learned with our expertise in life sciences."
One of the primary goals at the new innovation center is to help foster the growth of plant-based science, the company said—how the evolution of food fits into the current and future food supply and how it can help to not only continue to feed the growing population, but also make it healthier, and more nutritionally sound.
AFS believes having this location in the Midwest U.S. moves the company closer to both the farmers who feed the community and processors who utilize plants for added-value end products.
"We are creating the ideal environment to foster collaborative teams with the mission of touching all aspects of how advances in food sciences can produce long-term significance to the positive impact on health and wellness," said Loretta Zapp, CEO of AFS. "This new center is evidence of our commitment to our customers and the enhanced value we strive to bring to their products. AFS is excited about these additional resources that will add even more value to our current offerings that include supply chain sustainability, innovation, formulation and manufacturing support."
"AFS chose the BVC as our home for innovation for a number of reasons," said Chris Fields, vice president of scientific affairs at AFS. "The University of Iowa is home to a strong work ethic, a high level of professionals, and culture of innovation in the areas of Biotechnology and Food Science. What makes us the most excited is the opportunity to collaborate with other innovative companies in the areas of food technology, then merge those lessons learned with our expertise in life sciences."
One of the primary goals at the new innovation center is to help foster the growth of plant-based science, the company said—how the evolution of food fits into the current and future food supply and how it can help to not only continue to feed the growing population, but also make it healthier, and more nutritionally sound.
AFS believes having this location in the Midwest U.S. moves the company closer to both the farmers who feed the community and processors who utilize plants for added-value end products.
"We are creating the ideal environment to foster collaborative teams with the mission of touching all aspects of how advances in food sciences can produce long-term significance to the positive impact on health and wellness," said Loretta Zapp, CEO of AFS. "This new center is evidence of our commitment to our customers and the enhanced value we strive to bring to their products. AFS is excited about these additional resources that will add even more value to our current offerings that include supply chain sustainability, innovation, formulation and manufacturing support."
