Nestlé said the partnership was aimed at contributing to research and development based on South Africa’s indigenous biodiversity to evaluate the potential for nutraceutical and foods with proven health benefits.

CSIR CEO Dr. Sibusiso Sibisi pointed out the joint venture would provide CSIR scientists with access to international technologies in the field of nutraceuticals and foods with demonstrated health benefits. He said it would also enhance the researcher’s capacity to understand industry development cycles and requirements for the commercialization of such products.

“New products developed through this collaboration will be manufactured in South Africa in compliance with international standards, leading to development of new skills and ultimately creation of new jobs in the biosciences industry,” Sibisi added.

The agreement follows a visit by delegates from the CSIR, Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Technology and Innovation Agency to the Nestlé Research Centre in Lausanne, Switzerland. There, Nestlé demonstrated its research and development capabilities and research programs.

“We are delighted to have this opportunity to fund future research projects at the CSIR and to share our scientific expertise with the South African scientific community. We expect that this collaboration will help provide the scientific basis for sound nutrition and food safety policies, as well as identifying research needs for science-based regulations on food, nutrition and health.

“We will also explore ways to translate this work into tangible food products that will benefit consumers in South Africa, as well as other parts of the world,” said Nestlé executive board member Nandu Nandkishore.

 From the March 8, 2012, Prepared Foods' Daily News.