Roquette expands global innovation with new center in São Paulo

Roquette, a global provider of plant-based ingredients and pharmaceutical excipients, announced the opening of the Health & Pharma Solutions Business Group’s Innovation Center, located in São Paulo, Brazil.¹ The grand opening was celebrated on October 15, 2025.

Advancing Pharmaceutical Formulation and Drug Delivery

The facility will provide a laboratory focused on creating personalized solutions using advanced technologies, plus a training room for customers. The new facility is part of a multi-million-dollar investment and acts as the regional hub for Latin America. Roquette operates in more than 150 countries with more than 40 manufacturing sites and 20 centers for research and development and innovation centers.

“Roquette’s new Pharmaceutical Innovation Center in São Paulo marks a significant milestone in our commitment to global innovation and partnership,” stated Isabelle Bouvier, CEO of Roquette’s Health & Pharma Solutions Business Group. “This leading-edge facility will foster collaboration with our customers among brilliant minds while creating new opportunities for our employees and the broader community.”

At the Pharmaceutical Innovation Center, product development from concept to market is supported. Efficiency and reduction of cost and waste is facilitated through Roquette’s experience with polymers and formulation, alongside its partnerships with Avicel microcrystalline cellulose, Methocel hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, Microcel microcrystalline cellulose, and Pearlitol mannitol.

“Latin America is a dynamic market with immense potential,” stated Adriana Quiroga, application, development and innovation leader, Latin America, for the Health & Pharma Solutions Business Group. “We’re accelerating our product development and our time-to-market, as well as delivering innovative solutions that have a global impact.”

Supporting women in STEM through the Futuras Cientistas program

Additionally, Roquette Health Pharma Solutions Business Group is partnering with the Northeast Center for Strategic Technologies (Centro de Tecnologias Estrategicas do Nordeste, CETENE) in Brazil. This partnership aims to support the Futuras Cientistas program, which is dedicated to assist young women in building careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

"At CETENE, we believe that true progress begins with inclusion," said Giovanna Machado, PhD, senior researcher at the Center for Strategic Technologies of the Northeast. "Through Futuras Cientistas, and in partnership with Roquette, we are opening doors for young women to explore science and technology — not just as students, but as future leaders. When we invest in their potential, we invest in a more equitable, innovative, and prosperous society."

Scientists from Roquette will act as mentors, offering opportunities to shadow at the Innovation Center laboratory.

Roquette strengthens portfolio with IFF Pharma Solutions acquisition

The company has grown through acquisitions as well. In May 2025, Roquette announced the completion of its acquisition of IFF Pharma Solutions, which has originally been announced in March 2024.² The integration is anticipated to enhance the company’s offerings of drug-delivery solutions and further its commitment to innovation.

“The successful acquisition of IFF Pharma Solutions marks a major step forward in our value-creation journey,” said Pierre Courduroux, former CEO of Roquette, had stated in a press release. “We are thrilled to officially welcome our new colleagues as we start to write the next chapter of Roquette's history. This pivotal move aligns perfectly with our strategic vision to provide innovative, high-quality excipients that improve the efficacy and safety of pharmaceutical formulations. By combining our strengths, Roquette is poised to become the pharmaceutical industry’s go-to partner for the development of drug delivery solutions that contribute to improving, sustaining, and saving patients’ lives.”

In 2023, the company had also acquired Qualicaps from Mitsubishi Chemical Group.

References

1. Roquette. New Roquette Pharmaceutical Innovation Center to Strengthen Latin America as Collaborative Hu. October 15, 2025. https://www.roquette.com/media-center/press-center/roquette-new-pharmaceutical-innovation-center-brazil (accessed 2025-10-22).
2. Krawiec, S. Roquette completes acquisition of IFF Pharma Solutions. May 1, 2025. https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/roquette-completes-acquisition-of-iff-pharma-solutions (accessed 2025-10-22).