Articles written by
Sandra Lafargue

The idea that our diet affects our appearance is nothing new. For years, foods like carrots have been praised for improving skin tone, while chocolate has been blamed for breakouts. What’s new is the rise of beauty-focused food products. Gone are the days of relying only on natural remedies or consuming large quantities of specific foods. Now, processed, beauty-enhancing snacks are emerging, offering convenience, indulgence, and targeted benefits for skin, hair, and nails. Beauty food: tasting the glow Innova Market Insights has identified “Beauty Food” as a key trend for 2025. They predict that consumers will increasingly seek beauty claims in functional nutrition. From October 2019 to September 2024, product launches with skin-health claims grew by 15%, with Europe accounting for 39% of these launches. This surge in beauty food reflects a cultural shift: younger generations are more aware of how diet impacts their appearance. In response, brands are launching innovative processed foods and snacks that combine beauty benefits with indulgent experiences. Key nutrients powering the beauty food trend Key ingredients in this trend include: Proteins, magnesium, and fibers are often included in these products to deliver well-rounded health benefits. From supplements to snacks The beauty food category has evolved beyond traditional supplements, entering the world of snacks and indulgent treats. Some notable examples include: What’s next for beauty food? As food personalization gains momentum, the beauty food market is set to grow even further. Products could increasingly target specific concerns, such as anti-aging, skin hydration, or acne prevention. Beauty-enhancing claims could potentially expand into new food categories, such as pasta, granola, or even ready-to-eat meals, making beauty-focused nutrition more accessible and seamlessly integrated into daily life. While collagen is likely to remain a key ingredient in this space, we may see other innovative components emerge as this category continues to evolve. What was once a niche concept could now be reshaping both the food and beauty industries, paving the way for a future where beauty and nutrition are more closely linked. Make sure to subscribe to our weekly FoodTech newsletter and get the latest FoodTech insights delivered straight to your inbox!

Here’s the ultimate curated list of 44 must-attend events for Food & Beverages startups in 2025. Compiled by our FoodTech experts, this comprehensive guide covers Food & Beverages events happening across Europe, Asia and the U.S in 2025. Designed for founders, entrepreneurs and venture capitalists, it’s your go-to resource for exploring the latest FoodTech innovations! Horecava January 13-16, Amsterdam – Netherlands Expected participants : 60000 Horecava brings together a diverse audience from hospitality, catering, and food service sectors to explore innovations in food tech, sustainability, and culinary trends, making it a vital networking and idea-sharing hub for industry professionals. Winter Fancy Food Show January 19-21, Las Vegas – United States Expected participants : 13000 The Winter Fancy Food Show highlights premium and artisanal foods from around the world, showcasing everything from small-batch creations to organic and sustainably-sourced products, connecting specialty food brands with retailers and distributors. Grüne Woche January 17-26, Berlin – Germany Expected participants : 275000 Grüne Woche is one of the leading exhibitions for the agriculture and food industry, offering an ideal platform for exhibitors to showcase innovative products and solutions. This event not only highlights cutting-edge developments but also addresses critical societal issues such as climate protection, the circular economy, resource conservation, and sustainable land use. Sirha January 23-27, Lyon – France Expected participants : 200000 Sirha Lyon gathers the entire food service and hospitality ecosystem, offering a global stage for innovation, competitions, and knowledge-sharing. It’s where professionals come to discover the latest trends, exchange ideas, and shape the future of the industry. ISM Cologne February 2-5, Cologne – Germany Expected participants : 30000 ISM Cologne brings together industry leaders and emerging brands in the sweets and snacks sector, offering insights into the latest products, trends, and technologies shaping the global confectionery and snack markets. Pro Sweets February 2-5, Cologne – Germany Expected participants : 13000 Leading global event for suppliers and decision-makers in the snacks and sweets industry. This event covers the entire industrial value chain of the confectionery and snack industry, including finished products, raw materials, technology, and packaging. Fruit Logistica February 5-7, Berlin – Germany Expected participants : 66000 Fruit Logistica is the world’s leading international trade fair for fresh fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, and tree nuts. Manifest February 10-12, Las-Vegas – United States Expected participants : 6000 The premiere gathering that unites the entire eco-system of Fortune 500 global supply chain executives, logistics service providers, innovators and investors at the forefront of logistics tech and end-to-end supply chain. Biofach February 11-14, Nuremberg – Germany Expected participants : 35000 Biofach provides a comprehensive showcase of organic products, from raw ingredients to packaged goods. It draws a global audience of professionals dedicated to sustainability, offering insights into organic food trends and opportunities for partnerships in the green sector. Gulfood February 17-21, Dubai – UAE Expected participants : 100000 Gulfood attracts an international audience of food professionals, highlighting a wide range of products from emerging markets and offering insights into regional consumer trends, trade opportunities, and innovations in food and beverage. AFCI Con February 22-25, Dallas – United States Expected participants : 1500 AFCI Con is where frozen food industry leaders connect, showcasing new products, technologies, and strategies for sustainability and efficiency. It provides a platform for collaboration, industry insights, and exploring trends in frozen foods. Natural Products Expo West March 4-7, Anaheim – United States Expected participants : 65000 Natural Products Expo West brings together the CPG and retail ecosystem, featuring the latest in organic, natural, and sustainable products. It’s a key event for discovering emerging brands and trends focused on health, wellness, and eco-consciousness. Food Expo March 8-10, Athens – Greece Expected participants : 35000 Food Expo showcases a vast array of food products, from raw ingredients to ready-to-eat offerings. It’s an essential hub for professionals seeking to explore trends, develop partnerships, and discover business opportunities across the industry. World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit March 11-12, San Francisco – United States Expected participants : 2500 The World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit gathers leaders from agri-food businesses, tech providers, and investors for networking, market intelligence, and discovering startups. Attendees engage in high-level discussions on innovation and investment in agriculture. Foodex March 11-15, Chiba – Japan Expected participants : 80000 Asia’s largest food and beverage trade show, emphasizing innovation and market expansion. It showcases a diverse range of Asian and international food products, focusing on food tech, sustainability, and regional specialties. It serves as a major platform for business networking, culinary trends, and market insights. Future FoodTech March 13-14, San Francisco – United States Expected participants : 1450 Future Food-Tech brings together global food corporates, investors and technology start-ups from around the world to uncover the most exciting innovations in the agri-food sector, forging the right partnerships to take those solutions to market. IFE March 17-19, London – United Kingdom Expected participants : 30000 IFE (International Food & Drink Event) is where food professionals come to explore thousands of products from around the world, connect with new suppliers, and discover innovative trends and solutions shaping the food and drink industry. HRC March 17-19, London – United Kingdom Expected participants : 30000 Connects the industry’s most influential hospitality experts, chefs, and operators with the finest suppliers in the market, showcasing cutting-edge advancements in equipment, services, technology and more. Food Hotel Tech March 19-20, Paris – France Expected participants : 8000 Food Hotel Tech brings together digital tools, eco-friendly products, and tech innovations aimed at transforming the hospitality industry. It’s a hub for hotel and restaurant professionals to discover sustainable and tech-driven solutions. World Food Poland April 8-10, Warsaw – Poland Expected participants : 5000 World Food offers a comprehensive showcase of food products from around the world, connecting suppliers and buyers to explore emerging trends, expand into new markets, and discover innovative solutions in the food and beverage industry. FHA Asia April 8-11, Singapore Expected participants : 72000 Food & Hotel Asia brings together an international audience, featuring a wide array of F&B products, hospitality solutions, and […]

Pinterest has released its annual trend report, revealing 20 key trends for in 2025 across various industries, including home décor, fashion, beauty, and food & beverage. Known for spotting trends early, Pinterest analyzes billions of searches and uses visual technology to identify emerging patterns. In this article, we’ll focus on how these trends are impacting the food & beverage sector, with visual moodboards to bring them to life. Whether you’re in marketing, product development, or strategy, understanding these F&B trends will help you stay ahead of the curve and drive innovation ! Cherry Coded Cherries are expected to be popular in 2025, with everything from cherry toppings on desserts to cherry martinis, sodas, and sweet-savory combinations like cherry-glazed meats. Keep an eye out for more cherry-flavored cakes, tartlets, and sauces appearing on menus. Aura Beauty The “aura effect” trend may inspire food and drink presentations with glowing, pastel colors and shiny finishes. This could also influence packaging, with products featuring soft, pastel shades and a playful, multicolor look. Rococo Revival Elegant desserts will take inspiration from Rococo and Baroque styles, with pastel-colored cupcakes, macarons, and meringues. Expect detailed cakes and beautiful table setups with white and soft pink tones, as well as treats like choux pastries and wedding cakes. Sea Witchery Ocean-themed dishes will likely dominate menus, featuring seafood, seaweed, and fun creations like blue and purple cakes. Look for dreamy, ocean-inspired desserts like madeleines with sea-inspired twists, creating a magical underwater feel. Surreal soirees The “Surreal Soirees” trend may lead to bold, artistic dining experiences. Lobster, champagne, and fruits could be arranged in dramatic, art-like displays—think extravagant presentations and eye-catching food layouts that look like still-life paintings. Castle Core Rustic, hearty meals with ancient vegetables like artichokes, raw ingredients, and rich cheeses are expected to grow in popularity. Picture cozy, candlelit dinners with red wine and dishes that evoke a sense of old-world comfort and simplicity. Dolled Up Miniature, playful foods are becoming a trend, with tiny lollipops, fruit-shaped charms, and colorful tableware inspired by a “dinette” style. These small treats will bring a sense of fun and joy to any event. Fisherman Aesthetic The coastal vibe remains strong, with seafood-inspired menus featuring tinned fish, artisan butters, and Mediterranean-style picnic foods. Beer pairings and fresh, simple flavors will capture the relaxed, seaside spirit. Goddess Complex Luxe, shimmering foods—like edible gold, sparkling drinks, and cocktails decorated with jewelry—are set to become a highlight of high-end dining. This trend will celebrate luxury and indulgence, adding a touch of glamour to the table. Rebel Floats Creamy custom sodas are making a comeback, with ice cream floats, fruity soda mixes, and whipped cream taking the spotlight. These fun and indulgent drinks will give a modern twist to classic sodas. Terra Futura Sustainability continues to rise in importance, with fermented foods, pickles, and homemade preservation methods gaining popularity. Garden-to-table dining is likely to grow, focusing on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Primary Play Bold, colorful dishes made from fresh ingredients like tomatoes, lemons, and apples will take the spotlight. Hand-painted table settings and vibrant, eye-catching food presentations will turn simple ingredients into works of art. Pickle Fix Pickles will find their way into nearly everything—cocktails, sandwiches, and even sweet dishes and desserts. Moto Boho A fusion of biker chic and bohemian style will emerge, offering premium, on-the-go meals like iced coffee lattes and matcha lattes, served in minimalist, cool spaces that blend a sense of rebellion with relaxation. Travel Peak Mountain-inspired dining will become the next big trend, with hot chocolates, après-ski cocktails (like spritz), fondue, raclette, and portable meals such as sandwiches and tupperware-friendly dishes taking center stage. Chaos Cakes Bold, playful cakes are set to make waves, with designs featuring animal shapes, quirky faces, and kitschy creations. These unconventional desserts will add a fun, surprising element to any occasion. Player One The “Y2K” aesthetic returns, bringing kawaii-inspired designs and avatar-style dishes. Expect futuristic food packaging and fun, nostalgic touches that reference the early 2000s pop culture. Mix & Maximalist Packaging will embrace mixed patterns, vibrant colors, and vintage-inspired designs with bold typography. Seeing Double It’s about mixing and matching flavors and visuals : expect creative food pairings, bicolored products or packaging designed for two. Nesting Parties Food for welcoming new arrivals—like baby showers. Think pastel-colored dishes, cute cakes, and easy meal preps perfect for cozy, intimate gatherings. Subscribe to our FoodTech newsletter here for weekly insights on the latest trends and news from the F&B industry !

The first edition of the Paris Creator Week took place at Station F in Paris this week. It brought together content creators, brands, and industry experts to dive into the booming creator economy. This sector, valued at $180–250 billion globally in 2023 and growing at 15% annually, is expected to double in the next five years. The event aimed to position France as the leader in the European creator economy. Here are the key takeaways from the event. Lessons from France’s top podcaster, Matthieu Stefani Matthieu Stefani is the leading podcaster in France with GDIY (Generation Do It Yourself), and is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the creator economy. During his conference at Paris Creator Week, he shared his approach to building a successful podcast. His main advice: passion is essential. Content creation should always come from a genuine interest in the subject matter. He also emphasized the importance of working with sponsors you truly believe in. If a sponsorship feels forced or insincere, it risks alienating your audience. Matthieu pointed out that, in the creator economy, it’s not the number of subscribers that matters but their quality. For example, a podcast on entrepreneurship with 500 founders as listeners is more valuable than millions of followers with no connection to the topic. He also shared that his podcast saw a 40% increase in new listeners this year, proving there’s still room for new voices in podcasting. CYRILmp4: Balancing content creation and entrepreneurship Cyril MP4, a content creator with over 5 million YouTube subscribers, spoke about balancing content creation and entrepreneurship. He believes every content creator is also an entrepreneur. Cyril has built multiple companies around his content. However, it hasn’t been smooth sailing. He mentioned taking a one-year break from YouTube to recalibrate and refocus. His key advice: organization is crucial. As creators scale, finding the right balance between producing content and managing business operations becomes essential. Making corporate communication engaging: the role of content creation Corporate communication can often feel dry, but there are ways to make it more engaging and relatable. One of the best ways to do this is by putting faces to the brand. Whether it’s the CEO, employees, or content creators who authentically represent the company. After all, a business is made up of people, and showing the human side of a brand helps build trust and connection with the audience. A great example of this is Orange’s Better Program, where influencers are invited to spend time at the company’s offices to learn about its innovations. These influencers then share their experiences with their followers, offering a more personal touch to the brand. It’s not just about promoting a product; it’s about showing the people and values behind it. Creating engaging content is another key to making corporate communication resonate. L’Oréal did this brilliantly by turning a traditional financial report into something visually appealing and digital-friendly, which garnered 3 million views. They proved that even dry corporate content can be transformed into something captivating when done creatively. In the same vein, Orange used content creators to create over 1,000 posts leading up to the Olympics, and nearly 400 posts during the event. This real-time, engaging content kept the brand at the forefront of the conversation and connected with audiences in a natural, authentic way. The key takeaway? To make corporate communication sexy, brands need to humanize their message—by putting real people in front of it, whether it’s through influencers, employees, or leaders—and make it engaging, whether through creative content or authentic storytelling. It’s all about finding the right balance between authenticity and creativity. How to work with content creators ? When working with influencers, it’s important to give them the freedom to bring their own creativity into the collaboration. They understand their audience best and know how to deliver the message. More and more, brands are turning to micro and nano-influencers. While they may have smaller followings, these influencers tend to have highly engaged and loyal audiences, making them an excellent choice for brands looking to target specific, niche markets. Ultimately, the key to a successful influencer partnership is authenticity. When influencers genuinely believe in the brand and share its values, their content feels more trustworthy and organic, which leads to a stronger connection with their audience. Although Paris Creator Week 2024 has ended, check out our upcoming events here – we’ve got some exciting opportunities lined up for you !

In April 2024, Voyage Foods, a Foodtech startup founded in 2021, partnered with Cargill, a global leader in food ingredients. This collaboration focuses on scaling innovative alternatives to cocoa-based chocolate and nut spreads. It addresses the growing demand for sustainable, allergen-free, and plant-based foods. The partnership shows how startups can work with established corporations to expand their reach and impact in the market. What is Voyage Foods? Reimagining traditional ingredients Founded in 2021, Voyage Foods develops alternatives to traditional food products using cutting-edge technology. Their innovations replicate the flavors and textures of familiar foods while addressing critical challenges such as sustainability and allergen concerns. Key products include: These products are free from the top nine allergens, vegan, and significantly more sustainable. For example, their cocoa-free chocolate reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 84% and uses 99% less water compared to conventional chocolate. Who is Cargill? Leveraging global expertise in food ingredients Cargill, with over a century of experience, is a global leader in food ingredients, supplying chocolate, coatings, starches, sweeteners, and oils to manufacturers worldwide. The company specializes in helping manufacturers bring high-quality products to market by offering a robust distribution network and industry expertise. By partnering with Voyage Foods, Cargill has expanded its portfolio to include cocoa-free chocolate and nut-free spreads. This addition helps manufacturers meet consumer demand for allergen-friendly and sustainable options. With its ability to connect startups like Voyage Foods to a global audience, Cargill plays a critical role in enabling innovation to scale. How the partnership works The collaboration allows Voyage Foods to focus on product development while benefiting from Cargill’s resources and infrastructure. Through this partnership: This partnership has also strengthened investor confidence in Voyage Foods, as seen in the $52 million Series A+ funding the startup raised shortly after the deal was announced. Showcase at Food Ingredients 2024 At Food Ingredients Europe 2024, Cargill showcased their new product line in collaboration with Voyage Foods “Cargill Indulgence Redefined™”. They won the Future Foodtech Innovation Award. The product line included indulgent chocolate-free confections filled with hazelnut and peanut flavors that we were able to taste. Additionally, cookies made with Voyage Foods’ cocoa-free chocolate chips were featured : Conclusion: A practical model for startup-corporate partnerships The partnership between Voyage Foods and Cargill is an example of how startups can collaborate with larger companies to achieve rapid growth. By combining innovation with the resources and scale of an established player, Voyage Foods has been able to bring its allergen-free and sustainable products to a global audience. For startups and founders in other industries, this case demonstrates that strategic partnerships can be a powerful way to solve challenges, expand markets, and drive long-term success.

Tech for Retail 2024 held in Paris last week showcased a wide array of startups introducing groundbreaking solutions to revolutionize the retail industry. Among these, food retail innovation stood out as a key area of focus, addressing critical challenges such as managing perishable goods and advancing sustainability. While many themes were explored at the event, we delved into the latest advancements in this sector. In this article, we highlight seven startups transforming food retail with practical solutions to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and drive sustainability across the industry Onethird: predicting freshness to combat food waste OneThird tackles food waste with AI technology that predicts the shelf life of fresh produce and assesses ripeness in real time. This helps retailers, suppliers, and consumers make smarter decisions. Their AI-powered freshness scanners let shoppers check the ripeness of produce, such as avocados, without squeezing or damaging them. This reduces spoilage while improving inventory management. These scanners are already in use at Jumbo (Netherlands) and Migros (Switzerland). By gamifying the shopping experience, they make fresh produce management more efficient. Holis: life cycle analysis for greener retail Holis provides a SaaS platform that automates life cycle analysis (LCA). This tool helps reduce the environmental impact of products by modeling value chains and connecting suppliers. With insights into eco-design, Holis enables businesses to create more sustainable products. This platform is especially useful for food retailers who want to prioritize environmental responsibility without sacrificing efficiency. Kheops: strengthening local supply chains Kheops connects local producers with large retailers through a digital platform. By streamlining sourcing, order management, and communication, it simplifies integrating locally produced goods into retail offerings. For producers, the platform opens access to larger markets. For retailers, it helps them meet the growing demand for local goods. Ultimately, this strengthens local economies and reduces supply chain environmental footprints. B4food: traceability and safety made simple B4Food ensures food safety and supply chain transparency through a platform powered by blockchain and AI. It simplifies the management of inventory, recipes, and compliance data for businesses. The platform’s eco-conscious features, such as real-time tracking and eco-scores, offer practical tools to improve operations. These innovations reduce waste while helping businesses stay compliant with food safety standards. Ida: AI-powered fresh stock management Ida uses artificial intelligence to simplify managing fresh produce in retail. By forecasting demand and optimizing inventory processes, the platform helps retailers minimize losses and reduce waste. Ida integrates seamlessly with central purchasing systems. This ensures fresh products are available when needed, without overstocking, making it ideal for large retailers. Freshflow: demand forecasting for fresh produce Freshflow uses demand forecasting technology to improve fresh inventory management. By analyzing sales trends and consumer behavior, the platform reduces overstocking and spoilage. Its ability to improve product availability while minimizing waste aligns with retailers’ need for efficiency. Freshflow supports sustainable food retail practices that address growing consumer expectations. Ugofresh: real-time supply chain optimization UgoFresh offers a real-time platform for managing ultra-fresh product supply chains. It connects suppliers, distributors, and retailers to enable seamless communication and better coordination. This focus on transparency and waste reduction makes UgoFresh a key player in optimizing perishable goods supply chains. By improving supply chain efficiency, it supports retailers in meeting the demand for fresh, high-quality products. These startups are tackling practical challenges in food retail, from reducing waste to improving supply chain efficiency. Their innovations show how technology can make food retail more effective and sustainable. To learn more about the future of food, subscribe to our FoodTech newsletter here for weekly insights from the industry !

Tech for Retail 2024 in Paris showcased groundbreaking food retail innovations, emphasizing how technologies like AI, data analytics, and in-store digitization are transforming physical stores, customer experiences, and omnichannel strategies. Sesamers explored how these advancements are shaping the future of food retail technology. Check out our latest article highlighting the best food retail startups spotted at Tech For Retail 2024 here. The return of the physical store in Food Retail innovation Digitization of physical stores In recent years, investments in retail digitization primarily focused on e-commerce and back-end processes, leaving physical stores behind. However, the next decade will see a significant shift as physical stores undergo a technological transformation. Why Now? Innovations like digitized store operations, connected retail, and data-driven commerce are enabling retailers to reimagine the role of physical stores. Food Retail media: the evolution of in-store advertising From posters to digital campaignsThe era of static in-store advertising is fading, giving way to dynamic digital solutions. Companies like Vision Group are pioneering these changes with tools like “Engage,” which enables retailers to: Retailers face the challenge of balancing modern digital tools with familiar elements to maintain a comfortable and engaging shopping environment. Artificial Intelligence: experimenting with potential AI continues to be a focal point, with retailers experimenting to identify the most impactful applications. The focus at Tech for Retail 2024 was on practical use cases, such as: Case study: Carrefour’s HoplaCarrefour introduced “Hopla,” an AI-powered chatbot built with OpenAI technology, to enhance the shopping experience: Hopla demonstrates how AI can combine practicality with consumer-centric features to build loyalty and efficiency. AI in product developmentIn 2023, Coca-Cola released “Year 3000” a product co-created with AI, showcasing its role in trend-driven product creation. Startups like Beink Dream, winners of the Tech for Retail Startup Award, leverage AI to transform ideas into visuals and refine them in real time. Their technology has been used in the CPG industry to create innovative packaging designs. Data: the foundation of modern retail Retailers are transforming into data powerhouses, but the emphasis is shifting from raw data to actionable insights: In an era of supply chain volatility and rising consumer expectations for efficiency, actionable data has become indispensable. Personalization and ROI-driven innovation Food retailers are not just seeking technology; they are demanding value-driven innovation that aligns with their operational needs. Innovation must go beyond flashy concepts—it needs to prove its relevance and impact. Conclusion Tech for Retail 2024 highlighted that the future of food retail is a fusion of technology, innovation, and consumer-centric strategies. Physical stores are reclaiming their importance as hubs of data, logistics, and consumer engagement. Entrepreneurs and retailers must focus on solutions that are cost-efficient, intuitive, and impactful for both businesses and consumers. Interested in learning more about the future of food ? Subscribe to our Foodtech newsletter for weekly insights !

Food Ingredients Europe is just one week away in Frankfurt, and it promises to be a significant event for both F&B professionals and innovative startups in the food ingredients sector. We spoke with Yannick Verry, Brand Director of Food Ingredients, to preview what makes this event unique and what attendees can expect. What sets Food Ingredients Europe apart from other global food and nutrition innovation events? Fi Europe is unique as Europe’s premier event dedicated exclusively to food ingredients. It is part of a global series with ten Fi events across the world. As the flagship event in Europe, it draws leading industry players and top experts. The event highlights the critical role of the ingredient supply chain—a pivotal stage between raw production and manufacturing—where much of a product’s nutritional value is developed. What emerging trends in food ingredients can attendees look forward to exploring? While many trends reveal themselves on-site, several key themes are expected to shape this year’s event: How do new spaces like the expanded Food Technology area and the Petfood Suppliers Hub address industry demands? How will the new Tasting Bar enhance engagement between exhibitors and attendees? The Tasting Bar brings an interactive experience to Fi Europe. As an ingredient show, it can be hard for attendees to imagine the taste an ingredient can deliver. By sampling finished products that feature these ingredients, buyers get a clearer sense of their flavour and potential applications. Are there any standout projects or breakthrough innovations to watch for? Fi Europe brings innovation from all sides, with both big corporations and smaller companies unveiling groundbreaking concepts. Products launched at the event often reach shelves within 3 to 4 years, positioning Fi Europe as essential for exploring food’s future. What role does Fi Europe play in fostering industry partnerships and opportunities? Fi Europe is a key meeting point for the industry, bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, startups, and organisations to foster collaborations. Key areas like country pavilions and specialised commodity sectors offer targeted networking opportunities. In addition, platforms such as EIT Food Accelerator give startups valuable exposure, helping to strengthen the overall food innovation ecosystem. What’s in store for startups at FI this year ? This year, the Fi Europe Startup Challenge will showcase 20 finalists competing in categories such as plant-based solutions or digital services. The winners will be revealed on Tuesday. The competition offers startups valuable exposure, networking with industry leaders, and the chance to connect with potential partners. It helps them accelerate their growth in the food and beverages sector. For a great overview of the competition check out the 2024 Fi Europe Startup Challenge eMag. Additionally, you can find out who the finalists are this year here. How is Food Ingredients Europe working toward sustainability and environmental responsibility? Fi Europe has taken several steps toward sustainability, including: Environmental Initiatives: Social Initiatives: If you are a startup exhibiting at a Food trade show soon, check out our top tips here to make the most of your experience !

Sesamers attended the ALL4PACK event in Paris, where we explored cutting-edge solutions transforming the packaging industry. From eco-friendly materials to advanced digital tools, these startups are reshaping packaging for the F&B sector and beyond. Here’s a breakdown of the innovative companies we met. Proper Packaging (Eco-Friendly Materials and Processes) Reusable and Circular Packaging Solutions Digital Tools for Packaging and Delivery Efficiency Authentication and Brand Protection Boost Your Startup’s Visibility Are you a startup in the packaging industry with a sustainable or innovative solution? List your startup here to increase visibility among key players in F&B and packaging sectors. We might also feature your startup in one of our articles !

Italy’s plant-based market is booming, with consumer demand for sustainable, plant-based foods driving record growth. In 2023, retail sales reached €641 million, reflecting a significant 16.1% increase since 2021. Felippe Fontanelli has been aggregating these observations into a report that showcases the trends highlighting Italy’s growth potential. This insightful report is available for free download here. Meet the Author Felippe Fontanelli is the founder of the Virtuous Food Revolution Alliance and has worked with innovative startups like Wicked Foods and Future Farm. With nearly two decades in the FMCG industry, he has established a strong network across Italy, Spain, and Portugal, positioning him to provide valuable insights into the evolving plant-based market.  Key Insights from the Report Market Growth Italy’s plant-based market is thriving, with sales reaching €641 million in 2023. Plant-based meat and milk dominate, accounting for 49% and 31% of total sales, respectively. The cheese segment has also seen substantial growth, with a 77% increase in sales volume from 2021 to 2023. Demographic Shifts Young Italians are leading the plant-based movement, with 82% adopting more sustainable diets for health and environmental reasons. This generational shift, coupled with a strong preference for sustainability—66% of Italians prioritize it when purchasing food—positions Italy to compete with established markets like Germany and the UK. Out-of-Home Expansion The out-of-home food sector in Italy, valued at €80.8 billion in 2023, is gradually embracing plant-based options. Major players like Autogrill and Eataly are expanding their plant-based offerings, driven by a growing consumer demand for healthier dining choices. Companies such as Compass Group are focusing on sustainable sourcing, particularly in university dining, which opens up further opportunities for plant-based brands. Regulatory Challenges Despite its growth potential, the Italian plant-based market faces challenges, including regulatory hurdles influenced by meat lobbies. Recent regulations restrict cultivated meat production and limit plant-based products from using meat-related terms. However, public sentiment shows strong support for reducing meat consumption as a means to combat climate change. Partnerships and Collaboration Collaborations between traditional food producers and plant-based brands are vital for expanding options in Italy. By integrating plant-based alternatives into classic dishes, companies can build consumer trust while promoting sustainability. Successful partnerships, such as Planted with Artico for ready meals and Stupiscimi for snacks, demonstrates the effectiveness of this approach. Retail Opportunities While large chains like Aldi and Carrefour are expanding their plant-based offerings, smaller retailers lag behind. There’s a significant opportunity for Italian retailers to collaborate with startups, dedicate special sections for plant-based products, and focus on sustainability to capture this growing market. Local Innovation Italy’s culinary heritage provides a strong foundation for innovation. Local giants like Nestlé and Granarolo are adapting to meet rising consumer demand, while startups like Heaven and DreamFarm are creating products that honor Italy’s food culture while embracing sustainability. This report paints a compelling picture of Italy’s potential as a leader in the plant-based sector. For those looking to explore the findings in greater detail, the full report is accessible for free and can be downloaded here.

If you’re considering exhibiting at a future trade show, the insights shared by exhibitors at SIAL Paris 2024 can be incredibly valuable. They offer their advice based on their overall experiences as exhibitors and during their pitch sessions in front of a jury.  Here are some key takeaways to help you maximize your experience: Torg: Plan ahead Start your planning well in advance. Create a to-do list and a timeline based on insights from previous events to streamline your preparation. Avoid relying too heavily on external logistics, as managing these can be challenging if you’re not experienced. Ensure that everything is organized and in place to meet your needs. Pitching tips: Keep your pitch short and focused. If you have multiple products or topics, concentrate on one and explore it in-depth within 90 seconds. Use minimal text in your presentations. This helps maintain the audience’s attention on your message rather than distracting them with written content. Lebrin Cbd: Be spontaneous Balance preparation with spontaneity. While practicing your pitch is important, over-rehearsing can create unnecessary pressure and dissatisfaction. Allow yourself to connect more genuinely with your audience by going with the flow during your presentation. VgFryer: Stay proactive Engage actively with attendees and maintain communication with your contacts even after the event. Being persistent and keeping an optimistic outlook can help you foster lasting connections that extend beyond the trade show. Freshjt: Engage through experience Let your products speak for themselves by allowing visitors to sample them before explaining their features. This approach keeps attendees engaged and encourages interaction. Remember that trade shows are about sharing experiences and discovering market opportunities, not just selling products. Networking tips: Create a list of key exhibitors that match your target customer profile to visit during your free hours at the exhibition. While some exhibitors may not have their purchasing or business development managers present, their sales representatives can provide valuable contact information for future connections. Pitching tips: Bring your products to your pitch. If possible, allow attendees in the front rows to try them out to enhance engagement. Avoid technical jargon and focus on key values such as innovation and unique production technology. Most attendees may not fully grasp complex information in just 1-2 minutes. Credits : Biz Today If you’re planning to attend a Food trade show, don’t miss our latest article on maximizing your ROI at these industry gatherings !

Heading to MIF(Made in France) Expo next week, November 10-13th, Paris Porte de Versailles – and looking to dive straight into the trends defining the future of food & beverages? Streamline your visit with this curated list of must-see startups:  Food Plant-based alternatives Functional foods Spicy products Anti-waste Socially-engaged foods Low-glycemic index options Better-for-you spreads Drinks Pre- and probiotic drinks Botanical drinks Solid drinks Responsible wine If you’re interested in a more tailored startup itinerary focused on specific topics or sub-trends with additional startup recommendations, feel free to reach out! I’m actively sourcing startups and can quickly create a custom plan for you. Just contact me at sandra@sesamers.com.