IRCA Group, a global leader in high-quality food ingredients, has signed a lease at Pioneer Group’s new food and beverage incubator, Gastronomica at Colworth Science Park in Bedfordshire.

IRCA has taken 405 sq ft of space in the facility, providing the company with a strong foothold in the UK market. A specialist in chocolate, creams, fillings, fruits, pistachios and decorations, IRCA currently operates 20 production facilities across Europe, the US, and Vietnam, serving customers in more than 100 countries.

Launched earlier this year, Gastronomica provides flexible workspaces, shared labs and inspiring communal areas for leading food tech businesses.

As the latest development on the park, Gastronomica has been created through a cooperation between Pioneer and Unilever and is designed to foster collaboration and discovery in food and drink.

Alessandro Crespi, IRCA’s Head of Sales UK & IE, said: “Gastronomica is a cutting-edge hub revolutionising the food-tech industry, set within the inspiring environment of Colworth Science Park. Surrounded by nature, it is the perfect setting for culinary creativity, innovation and growth opportunities for food businesses. It is also a space of sharing and networking, where synergies across different companies can be easily achieved.

“By establishing our UK office, we reinforce our proximity to clients and deliver the full value of IRCA Group’s global expertise, locally adapted to support the needs of each market. The plan is to continue increasing IRCA Group’s brand visibility and recognition in the UK to become the leader in semi-finished ingredients, and Gastronomica offers the best place to start this long-term project.”

Keith Purdie, commercial director at Colworth Science Park commented: “We are delighted IRCA has chosen to make Gastronomica its UK base. IRCA is a trusted partner of pastry chefs, chocolatiers, gelato makers and food manufacturers worldwide and is a valuable addition to the facility, which is fast becoming the home of new food and drink innovations. Our occupiers are benefitting from strong supply chain links with Unilever – one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies – as well as having access to a cost-efficient, resource-rich and collaborative environment. We’re looking forward to supporting IRCA as it continues to grow its market share here in the UK.”

For more information about Gastronomica, visit: https://thepioneergroup.com/gastronomica/