Foodpilot: Revolutionizing Agri-Food Sustainability

Transparency and traceability have become critical in the complex world of agri-food supply chains. Connecting Food, a French startup founded in 2016, aims to address these challenges by offering a blockchain-powered SaaS platform that centralizes and simplifies data collection, providing real-time visibility and compliance for food suppliers and manufacturers. With its innovative solution, Connecting Food has attracted key players across the industry. It helps them ensure product compliance with European and U.S. regulations while improving accuracy and security throughout their supply chain. From Mars and Nestlé to Blockchain Innovation The idea behind Connecting Food came from the hands-on experience of its Co-Founders, Maxine Roper and Stefano Volpi. Both have worked for over 20 years at top-tier food companies like Mars, Nestlé, Danone, and Avril. “At Mars and Nestlé, we saw firsthand the challenges of connecting supply chain data to meet legal and quality standards,” said Roper. This led them to leave their C-level roles and launch Connecting Food to revolutionize data management in the agri-food sector. Why “Connecting Food”? The startup’s name, “Connecting Food,” perfectly embodies its mission. According to the Co-Founders, the company “connects the dots” between the many actors in the agriculture and food industries. By doing so, the platform increases visibility and transparency, allowing businesses to track products from farm to fork.”We bring greater visibility into supply chains by connecting all industry actors that source from agriculture. Our platform ensures compliance with both European and U.S. regulations while increasing accuracy and security,” explained Volpi. A Strong Team with Diverse Expertise Connecting Food’s team is its greatest asset. It combines Tech expertise with deep industry knowledge. Based in Paris, the team works from the heart of one of Europe’s leading hubs for innovation.”Our team brings together technology, data, and industry experience. From ex-Deezer engineers to experts in food safety testing from Eurofins, we’ve built a unique blend of talent,” said Volpi. The team also includes professionals from Carrefour, BCG, and Bearing Point, adding depth to its sales, customer success, and data management operations. Targeting the Entire Agri-Food Ecosystem Connecting Food works with various clients at every stage of the agri-food supply chain, including retailers like Migros, branded manufacturers like Barilla and General Mills, and farming groups like Axereal.“Our platform enables clients to gain visibility, precision, and compliance in their supply chain operations,” Roper explained. With increasing demand for more transparency and compliance, especially in the face of a growing regulatory landscape, The company’s value proposition continues to grow. Standing Out from the Competition In the competitive landscape of supply chain management platforms, Connecting Food distinguishes itself through its unique focus on agrifood. While competitors offer similar services, they excel in centralizing cost-efficient, comprehensive data for supplier assessment and product monitoring. “Our expertise in agri-food and precise data management set us apart in ensuring transparency and traceability,” said Volpi. This unique capability allows the company to better serve its clients’ needs while maintaining cost-efficiency. Revenue Model and Traction Connecting Food generates revenue through a subscription-based model. It offers various modules for data management, digital auditing, and product monitoring, allowing clients to select the services they need to improve their supply chain operations. The company has gained traction by securing contracts with major retailers, manufacturers, and farming groups, highlighting its growing influence in the agri-food industry. Looking Ahead: Goals for 2024 After raising an €11 million Series A and receiving financing from the European Commission, Connecting Food is preparing for a significant growth phase. The company aims to raise equity by the end of 2024 to enhance its technology and expand services. “Our goal for 2024 is to scale our platform and explore new growth opportunities in the agri-food sector,” said Roper, as the team focuses on expanding its client base and meeting the rising demand for transparency and compliance in supply chains. Why SIAL Startup Village? Participating in SIAL Startup Village offers Connecting Food a valuable opportunity to network and showcase innovations to key agri-food decision-makers while engaging with current clients and strengthening its market position. “SIAL is one of the most important trade shows for food and beverage.” It offers us the chance to meet key decision-makers and showcase the latest innovations in supply chain management,” said Volpi.

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Founded in 2022, French startup Foodpilot is transforming the agri-food industry with an all-in-one digital solution that advances CSR, sustainability, and decarbonization. Its SaaS platform enables companies to measure, track, and manage the environmental and social impacts of their food products from farm to fork.” We identified a critical gap in accurately measuring the industry’s ecological footprint,” says Didier Livio, CEO of Foodpilot. “Our platform is designed to help businesses streamline and accelerate their sustainability efforts using real, validated data.” The Meaning Behind the Name FoodPilot The name Foodpilot reflects the company’s mission. “‘Food’ represents our sector, and ‘Pilot’ symbolizes guiding the industry toward sustainable transformation,” Didier explains. “With climate change threatening agricultural raw materials, urgent action is needed.” What Sets FoodPilot Apart from Competitors Foodpilot stands out due to its comprehensive and specialized approach. “Unlike our competitors who use spreadsheets and basic tools, we offer specialized expertise and manage large datasets effectively,” says Livio. Foodpilot tracks carbon and broader social and climate impacts, using advanced data modeling to complete gaps in datasets, making it the first European digital solution covering the entire supply chain. Expertise Driving Innovation Foodpilot’s success is driven by its expert team, which has offices in Paris, Dijon, and Montpellier. Led by professionals from the agri-food, wine, digital technologies, and data engineering sectors, Foodpilot delivers cutting-edge solutions tailored to the agri-food industry’s complex needs. “Our team’s diverse expertise makes us unique,” Didier notes. Scientific innovation is key to keeping Foodpilot’s solutions at the forefront of sustainability management. Impressive Traction and Growth Strategy With projected revenue of €1.8 million in 2024, and €1 million already secured, Foodpilot is positioned for rapid growth. The company’s participation in SIAL Startup Village highlights its ambition to scale internationally. “We applied to SIAL Startup Village to connect with global prospects, partners, and investors to support our international expansion,” says Didier. The event will serve as a key opportunity to generate business leads and partnerships. Future Goals and Ambitions Foodpilot has ambitious goals for 2024, including international expansion, enhancing its data-driven platform, and continuing to lead sustainability innovation. To achieve this, Foodpilot is actively hiring data scientists, carbon experts, and developers. “Every day, we’re motivated by the chance to drive real change in the food industry,” Didier reflects. “The work we do now is paving the way for a more sustainable future for generations to come.”