10 years on, China's first overseas dairy R&D center ushers in new upgrades

This photo shows the Yili European Innovation Center at the Wageningen University & Research (WUR) in Wageningen, the Netherlands, April 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

The two sides have engaged in extensive cooperation in dairy product research and talent development over the past decade, making significant contributions to advancing dairy and food science.

WAGENINGEN, the Netherlands, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Ten years ago, dairy giant Yili Group established China's first overseas dairy research hub in the Netherlands. This center has undergone significant upgrades and boasts a state-of-the-art laboratory and a global research institute dedicated to maternal and infant nutrition studies.

On Thursday, the Wageningen University & Research (WUR) hosted a ceremony to upgrade the Yili European Innovation Center and establish the Yili Maternal and Infant Nutrition Institute Global (YMINI Global).

More than 130 representatives from Chinese and foreign dairy associations, educational and academic research institutions, the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands, and the business community attended the event.

"We are proud that Yili, as the leading dairy company in Asia, chose to establish the (Yili) European R&D Center on the campus of University Wageningen 10 years ago in 2014," said Sjoukje Heimovaara, president of the Executive Board of Wageningen University & Research, referring to the predecessor of the Yili European Innovation Center.

She said the two sides have engaged in extensive cooperation in dairy product research and talent development over the past decade, making significant contributions to advancing dairy and food science.

Heimovaara described Yili as "one of the respected partners in the Wageningen ecosystem," and emphasized its contribution to dairy-related innovation projects. She noted their collaborative efforts in translating cutting-edge scientific advancements into new products, and expressed anticipation for continued partnership and collaboration.

This photo shows a ceremony to mark the upgrade of the Yili European Innovation Center and establishment of the Yili Maternal and Infant Nutrition Institute Global (YMINI Global) in Wageningen, the Netherlands, April 18, 2024. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Liu Chunxi, executive president of Yili Group, emphasized that innovation is the core driving force behind Yili's development.

Yili officially inaugurated its high-standard laboratory at the ceremony, which is now ready for use. The laboratory has advanced testing instruments and production equipment, enabling integrated operations for product research, efficacy verification, and pilot production. It will serve as an innovation platform for research cooperation between Yili and its partners.

In 2014, Yili and WUR jointly established the Yili European R&D center. The center was upgraded in 2018 to the Yili European Innovation Center.