Nestlé SA will transfer its Chocolate Centre of Excellence in Switzerland to the UK as the company aims to “improve the speed and agility of global innovation”.  

In May 2018, the facility will move to the company’s Product Technology Centre (PTC) in York, with Nestlé ensuring that all 25 employees will keep a job. A spokesperson said that some will be transferred to York, some stay in Broc and others will be transferred to other positions within Nestlé. The York PTC facility is Nestlé’s centre of excellence for chocolate, sugar confectionery and biscuits, focusing on lighter eating, luxury gifting and popularly positioned products. It currently employs between 150 and 200 people, including engineers, confectioners, technicians and nutritionists.

Opened in 2009 in the municipality of Broc, the plant was Nestlé’s first research and development facility entirely dedicated to the development of premium and luxury chocolate. Following the transition, the Broc site will “support chocolate activities in Europe, Middle East and North Africa”. In its nine-year history, the Broc Chocolate Centre of Excellence has brought together chocolate-making professionals and packaging designers.