Downers Grove, IL—Univar Solutions has announced a collaboration with the nonprofit food business incubator The Hatchery Chicago, which is now home to Univar’s new Food Solution Center.

The Food Solution Center is part of a specialized network of Solution Centers around the globe, which include formulation labs, research and development centers, and test kitchens.

"At Univar Solutions, what we do is rooted in our purpose to help keep our communities healthy, fed, clean and safe," said Kevin Hack, Vice President of Global Food Ingredients at Univar Solutions, in the press release. "Launching a new Food Solution Center and sponsoring The Hatchery Chicago demonstrates our commitment to support local communities at the growing epicenter of food ingredient innovation. As collaboration and innovation are at the heart of our Solution Centers, we are thrilled to be a part of the entrepreneurial and creative collaboration happening within this exciting development hub, to help our suppliers and customers find their next sustainable food innovation."

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Through the partnership, Univar hopes to foster innovation and drive solutions in food development by helping to support The Hatchery Chicago’s advancement of women- and Black, Indigenous, People of Color-owned businesses.

"Our food scientists and technical specialists look forward to bringing better products to market at Univar Solutions' first dedicated Food Solution Center in North America," said Dr. Andrew Mint, Director, global Solution Centers. "Having both culinary chefs and culinary development scientists collaborating under one roof will help take customer projects to the next level, driving technical excellence within the North America food industry and globally as we deliver innovative solutions together."