BAKERSFIELD, CALIF. — Bolthouse Farms, which is now owned by The Campbell Soup Co., has built a new $5 million innovation center at its headquarters in Bakersfield, Calif.
The facility will increase new product development and enhance current offerings across the company’s portfolio of beverages, salad dressings and fresh carrots. It includes 17,900 square feet, a staff of 40 employees, several test kitchens and a sensory center. Overall, the center will integrate marketing and research to create new, healthful products.
Campbell acquired Bolthouse Farms in August 2012 for $1.55 billion from a fund managed by Madison Dearborn Partners. At the time of the acquisition, Campbell said it would give the company a presence and platform in the growing market for packaged fresh foods.