Start-up bootcamp: FoodBytes! London 2019 to boost ag-tech and food-tech innovation

01 Jul 2019 --- Following a successful 2018 debut, FoodBytes! by Rabobank returns this year, and is currently seeking the most “cutting-edge” small players to participate. The event is a global pitch competition and networking platform that connects innovative consumer food, food-tech, ag-tech and packaging alternatives start-ups with corporate leaders and investors. FoodBytes! London 2019 will welcome fifteen early-stage start-ups compete live on the FoodBytes! stage at Victoria House. Participants will benefit from intensive mentorship sessions from industry experts, whilst connecting with leading corporates, investors and fellow start-ups to help scale their business. The platform will take place in London, UK, November 6-7, 2019.

FoodBytes! places an emphasis on food and ag-tech startups with a disruptive impact on the food industry and supply chain, including sustainable farming, packaging, traceability solutions, environmentally-friendly ingredients, food waste reduction and the latest sustainable consumer food start-ups. The criteria for successful applicants focus on product innovation, market opportunity, traction and commercial viability – with a focus on sustainability and social impact. 

“This event is for getting insights into FMCG and creating a platform where startups can get relevant feedback and build their network. Moreover, it gives start-ups coaching and the ability to pitch in front of key people in the industry,” Julianne Ponan, CEO of Creative Nature and Foodbytes! alumnus, tells NutritionInsight.

The start-up industry is booming, with new-comers that promise to bring a new era of innovation and forward thinking. With this in mind, many companies have launched start-up competitions to explore the space and boost the potential of small players, such as Pepsico’s Nutrition Greenhouse and the Australian SEEDS of CHANGE Accelerator. 

The dynamic food business arena is ever-changing and keeping up with consumer demands requires staying on top of trends that smaller players may find easier to identify.A 2018 Innova Market Insights trends survey found that two in five US and UK consumers prefer small brands “because they are more dedicated to their products and have a personal story.” This is completely on trend, as 20 percent growth has been reported in food & beverage launches with a social-ethical claim (Global, 2017 vs. 2016).

The “cutting-edge” start-ups
Start-ups can bring a fresh view of the market, that established companies value. The dynamic food business arena is ever-changing and keeping up with consumer demands requires staying on top of trends that smaller players may find easier to identify. 

In this space, Foodbytes! 2019 is on a mission to find the most cutting-edge startups pioneering the future of food and agriculture, the organizers say. FoodBytes! London will be the 17th FoodBytes! event to be held globally with the aim. Since launching in 2015, more than 2,000 startups have applied from 90+ countries and more than 4,700 people have attended FoodBytes! in North America, Europe and Australia. 

The FoodBytes! alumni community includes 265 companies, notably Mimica, Biokind and Rootwave, who won the top prizes at FoodBytes! London 2018, as well as Garçon Wines who pitched in London and Toast Ale who recently took home the People’s Choice Award at FoodBytes! San Francisco 2019.

“FoodBytes! is an opportunity to pitch your business idea, create new partnerships, network with industry professionals and receive mentoring support from world-class experts in multiple fields – from legal advice to logistics,” says Rob Wilson, Chief Toaster of Toast Ale and FoodBytes! alumnus.

“FoodBytes! by Rabobank offered us a special opportunity to showcase our innovative wine bottles to an investor and finance demographic. It also allowed us to learn more about the wider agriculture and food ecosystem from an innovative start-up perspective. Importantly, we also connected with many Rabobank executives,” Santiago Navarro, CEO and Co-Founder, Garçon Wines tells NutritionInsight.

Ponan points to a key area that she, as the owner of a start-up herself, would like to see more activity within: sustainable packaging.

Garçon Wines flat wine bottle (left) and Garçon Wines 10 Flat Bottle Case (right).“We’d love to see innovation in sustainable packaging, ensuring that packing is not only recyclable, biodegradable or compostable, but also ensures the safety of the product inside when it comes to allergens,” Ponan says. “At the moment, the barriers in sustainable food packaging don’t adequately prevent allergens from cross contaminating the food, so advances need to be made in this area.”

 Resources for participating startups include: 

• A full-day mentorship immersion led by industry experts on fundraising, branding, research trends, legal and go-to-market strategy.
• One-on-one conversations with mentors and direct feedback on products, technologies and pitches.
• Valuable networking opportunities with corporate leaders, investors, influencers and peers.
• Ongoing support from Rabobank Food and Agriculture (F&A) experts.
• Access to Rabobank research reports for a minimum of one year.
• Access to the community of FoodBytes! alumni.

Applicants are invited to apply by August 4, 2019. 

By Kristiana Lalou