SALEM, ORE. — Diamond Foods, Inc. will break ground on a new innovation center this week that will be based in Salem. The facility will be used to develop new products under the company’s Kettle, Pop-Secret, Emerald and Diamond of California brands.

Construction on the innovation center is scheduled to be completed next year. It will include an R.&D. kitchen and laboratory, sensory evaluation center and a concept room designed for ideation and customer meetings.

“It is a commitment for the future,” said Holly Mensch, vice-president of research, development and innovation. “We are focusing on innovation on all fronts — flavors, formats and packaging and the new facility gives us more space and equipment to do our work more efficiently and space to immediately test with consumers.”