Where art and science intersect to help nourish people

The Cargill Innovation Center in Wichita, Kansas is one of the world’s most advanced food innovation facilities. The center was designed to simulate real-world environments to help our retail, food service and food ingredient customers grow their businesses by meeting the needs of meat- and-protein-eating consumers.

CIC features  

Foodservice presentation room: Simulating a restaurant dining room with top-line equipment and demo cooking island as well as adjoining patio with outdoor grilling capabilities

USDA-inspected pilot plant: Facility for testing equipment and processes for use in protein facilities, including a smoker, fryer, ready-to-eat product area, and tenderness test area

Food safety labs: Fully equipped pathogen labs for development, testing and validation of food safety interventions

Product analytical labs: Labs for microbiology and chemistry to improve product consistency and quality

Retail presentation area: Our consumer kitchen and display areas simulate a grocery store, convenience store or deli environment

Ingredients and seasoning room: A variety of seasonings and ingredients are mixed to create rubs, marinades and other flavorings

Sensory center: Access to our large internal pool of consumers, specific expert taste panels  and focus groups

Shelf life testing areas: Retail display case, refrigeration and freezer units provide simulations of post-production storage conditions