Tetra Pak Opens New Powder Development Centre in France to Support Innovation in Protein and Functional Nutrition

Tetra Pak has officially opened its new Product Development Centre (PDC) for Powder Process and Technology in Cholet, France, as demand surges for protein-based and powdered nutrition products across the global food and beverage industry.

The new 340-square-metre facility is designed to accelerate innovation, optimise production processes, and reduce time-to-market for powder-formulated products, from dairy and beverages to whey protein and functional nutrition. It forms part of Tetra Pak’s global PDC network, which enables food producers to experiment with formulations, test processing technologies, and refine product characteristics before full-scale manufacturing.

Equipped with a state-of-the-art pilot plant, the site includes modular production lines and advanced powder-handling technologies such as Tetra Pak’s Air Jet Cleaning System and Production Control Ignition User Interface. A dedicated laboratory ensures quality, compliance, and process optimisation throughout product development.

The PDC supports manufacturers at every stage of innovation—from raw material characterisation and prototype formulation to pilot-scale simulation and industrial scale-up. Its library of over 6,000 powder samples and analytical tools allows for precise evaluation of powder properties and behaviour, helping producers validate recipes and processes under near-industrial conditions while reducing waste and production risk.

Tetra Pak said the facility’s modular configuration enables custom trials for each customer, with the added benefit of remote participation via high-definition livestreaming, real-time interaction, and detailed post-trial reporting. Customers receive recordings, data, and samples to support decision-making wherever they are based.

According to the company, the new PDC helps manufacturers cut development costs, increase yields, and support sustainability goals through more efficient and resource-conscious processing.

“Consumers want healthier, more convenient and sustainable options—but also greater choice and quality,” said Charles Brand, Executive Vice President for Processing Solutions and Equipment at Tetra Pak. “For producers, this means constant innovation, rapid scale-up and flawless execution. Our new PDC is designed to help them achieve exactly that.”

The opening underscores Tetra Pak’s growing investment in powder processing technology, as the global market for protein, fortified beverages, and functional nutrition continues to expand—driven by shifting consumer lifestyles and rising interest in health, performance, and sustainability.