AMSTERDAM — Plant-based margarines, spreads and cheese maker Upfield Group announced it will invest €50 million ($58 million) in a new food science center in Wageningen, The Netherlands.

The location, known as the “Silicon Valley of the food industry,” was chosen for its proximity to The Wageningen University & Research, a leader in agri-food science.

The company plans to open the facility before the end of 2021.

“The announcement today demonstrates our commitment to ambitious and pioneering research and development,” said David Haines, chief executive officer of Upfield Group. “Our track record is good. Since Upfield was established under two years ago, we have already launched new and industry-leading plant-based cheese, cream and butter products. The new Upfield Food Science Center will allow us to accelerate our ambitious agenda and develop even more options so people can enjoy great tasting, natural, plant-based foods that are not only beneficial to their health, but to the planet. As a global leader in plant-based nutrition, we are extremely excited by what this investment means for the future of the category.”

Upfield Group also announced plans to open a new global headquarters in Amsterdam by the end of 2021.