HEINEKEN has announced the creation of an advanced research and development center in Zoeterwoude, the Netherlands, called “Dr. Henry Pierre Heineken. With an investment of 45 million euros, the objective of this facility is to perfect both its current production processes and its beer portfolio, as well as promote the development of new proposals. This center, key to HEINEKEN’s global growth strategy, will open its doors in mid-2025.
The 8,800 m² space pays tribute to Dr. Henry Pierre Heineken’s legacy of innovation. It will house a team of 75 specialists of 12 nationalities, who will work on the development of iconic brands such as Heineken, Desperados and Amstel. The facilities include offices, laboratories, flavor research areas and packaging development, as well as serving as a connection point with other HEINEKEN innovation centers in Mexico, South Africa, Southeast Asia, and with prestigious international universities.
Dolf van den Brink, President of HEINEKEN, highlighted that innovation has always been a pillar of the company, from the exclusive Heineken® yeast to its pioneering launch of Heineken 0.0. This new center in Zoeterwoude, considered the “heart” of its R&D network, will be essential to advance its vision of a “net zero” future and a fairer and more sustainable world by 2030, under its “Delivering a World” strategy. Better”.
HEINEKEN announces “Dr. Henry Pierre Heineken
The center will be located next to Europe’s largest brewery and close to Delft University of Technology, an environment that encourages research on a local and global level. Previous achievements such as Heineken 0.0 and the horizontal fermentation system that gives Heineken its distinctive flavor have been developed at Zoeterwoude. It has also been a testing ground for sustainability, such as the installation of the brewing sector’s first large-scale electric boiler.
This new European innovation hub aims to improve the company’s processes and portfolio of global brands, such as Heineken®, Desperados and Amstel, as well as boost the development of new products.
HEINEKEN Spain continues to innovate in the beverage market with a portfolio of more than 30 brands and 80 varieties. In the last 10 years, it has launched more than 40 products, including new categories such as Radler beer and cider. In 2024, HEINEKEN Spain expanded its offer with Ladrón de Verano, a premium tinto de Verano option, and El Águila Sin Filtrar 0.0, a pioneer in the non-alcoholic beer sector. These launches reflect the brewer’s commitment to innovation and creating new experiences for its consumers.
