Swiss food company Nestlé has opened its first research and development (R&D) center in India, with an investment of CHF50m ($52.85m) in order to gain greater understanding of Indian consumers, traditional ingredients and local cuisine.

Located in Manesar, close to Nestlé India's headquarters in Gurgaon, Haryana state, the center will focus on Asian noodles and Indian cooking, while seeking to develop nutritious, affordable products in serving sizes that are suitable for lower income consumers.

Nestlé's chief executive officer Paul Bulcke said the new R&D center will enable the company to gain greater expertise in using and processing local ingredients to develop products for India and beyond.

The center will offer technological knowledge in food processing and manufacturing, and provide expertise in consumer science as well as in extrusion - a process that is used to impart specific shape or texture to foods.

In addition, it will form scientific partnerships with local universities and research institutes in India, to expand Nestlé's existing knowledge base and promote innovation.

The company plans to expand its range of mainstream products in the country, especially in the noodles, cereal, beverage and dairy segments.

Nestlé, which currently has 32 R&D centers worldwide, said this investment is a part of its long-term plan to strengthen its R&D capability in emerging markets.