ZURICH, SWITZERLAND —Kraft Foods Inc. has opened its new European Biscuit Research and Development Center in Saclay, France. The facility represents a $20 million investment and will support product development for many European brands.

“France is an important market for biscuits in Europe and for Kraft Foods’ snacking business globally,” said Timothy P. Cofer, president of Kraft Foods Europe. “This investment makes good business sense, supporting us in our efforts to drive future biscuit innovation and growth. Consumers in Europe and around the world have long enjoyed our exceptional biscuit brands, and with the support of this new center we will be able to create many more delicious snacking moments for our consumers for years to come.”

The center will provide support for the LU, belVita, Oreo, Mikado, Prince, Saiwa and TUC brands among others.
Kraft has 15% market share of the biscuit market in Europe, and the company’s European biscuit business has been growing more than two times faster than the European biscuits market overall, according to the company.