Sabra Dipping opens R&D facility for refrigerated dips and spreads in US

Sabra Dipping has opened a new centre of excellence (COE) research and development (R&D) facility for refrigerated dips and spreads in Chesterfield County, Virginia, US.

Located on the site of Sabra’s hummus manufacturing facility, the new R&D centre will strengthen the company’s research capabilities and enhance Sabra’s products in all aspects of food manufacturing and distribution, from agriculture, nutrition and food science to engineering, packaging and product delivery.

It features a culinary centre, research laboratory, ideation space, a pilot plant and hands-on research modules.

The COE will support Sabra and the international venture between PepsiCo and Strauss Group, called Obela.

Sabra Dipping CEO Ronen Zohar said that the company, in partnership with Obela, will "push the envelope" in research and development, opening up new possibilities in dips and spreads in terms of innovation, taste and health.

"The centre will house experts in culinary arts, food technology and nutrition, and will conduct groundbreaking research on chickpeas, fruits and vegetables, some of which will be done in conjunction with local VA universities," Zohar added.

As Obela plans to expand beyond Mexico and Australia, the new R&D facility in Virginia will help Obela leverage experience from the US market to cater to the needs of communities globally.

Obela was launched in Mexico in June 2012 with three varieties of hummus – chipotle, red pepper and plain.

Meanwhile, Sabra has also broken ground on the next phase of expansion of its existing manufacturing facility in Virginia, a move which is expected to create 140 jobs over the next few years.

The $86m expansion will further increase production capabilities and help the company meet the increasing demand for its hummus.

In 2012, the company announced the expansion of its Virginia facility, including the addition of two new lines, a packaging automation system, water waste systems and other plant improvements.

Sabra Dipping, a joint venture between Israel-based Strauss and PepsiCo, is a leading producer of refrigerated dips and spreads as well as hummus, and it operates a silver LEED certified factory in Virginia.

The Sabra joint venture draws on PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division and Strauss Group’s expertise to continue building the business.

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Image: The new R&D centre will further strengthen capabilities and improve Sabra’s products in all aspects of food manufacturing. Photo courtesy of Strauss Group.