AFOODS® Group: Revolutionary African Food

Founded in 2023 in Copenhagen, Melt Corp is revolutionizing the frozen food and beverage industry with its high-quality, nutritious IceGrus products and exclusive MFM Tech mixture. Anders Lautrup-Larsen, the CEO, explains, “Melt Corp relates to our unique ability to melt frozen products, offering both convenience and freshness quickly.” This tagline, “A meltdown for the good,” perfectly captures their mission to transform the market with advanced frozen food technology. A Vision Born from Frustration Regarding Frozen Food and Beverages The inception of Melt Corp was driven by a personal frustration with subpar beverages. “I wanted to create cocktail products that rival the excellence of those from top bars,” shares Melt Corp’s founder, Serge Silveira. This vision led to a patent-pending formula, creating frozen beverages and mocktails that blend taste and convenience instantly. A Diverse and Passionate Team at Melt Corp Melt Corp’s team, based in Copenhagen, is a diverse group united by their passion for the concept. “We met through various connections and found that our different backgrounds complement each other perfectly,” Anders notes. This diverse expertise allows the team to effectively manage and innovate, ensuring their products meet high quality and functionality standards. Targeting Key B2B Sectors The company targets the B2B frozen food market, focusing on sectors such as military, sports, healthcare, cruise lines, public areas, airlines, and event venues. “Starting with these segments allows us to penetrate the market effectively and cater to diverse needs,” says the team. Melt Corp plans to expand its reach through partnerships with carefully selected agents, each managing specific geographic areas. Standing Out with Unique Technology “Our unique MFM Tech mixture sets us apart, with no direct competitors identified so far, positioning us at the industry’s forefront to meet the demand for healthier, convenient food options,” the team adds. “At Melt Corp, we take pride in offering a diverse range of frozen products, each crafted to meet the highest health and taste standards. Our lineup includes mocktails, mixed juices, shakes, smoothies, shots, and soups.” Looking Forward to 2024 Looking ahead to 2024, Melt Corp aims to scale its operations and fully make a significant market impact. “Our main goal is to be ready for a full-scale market launch,” reveals the team. “Participating in SIAL Startup Village is crucial for connecting with investors, sales agents, and manufacturers.” Each day brings the excitement of progressing toward their ambitious goals, driving the team forward with renewed energy and focus.

Kefir Labo Dumoulin, a French startup founded in 2020, has quickly made its mark by embracing age-old practices with a modern twist. The name itself, “Le Labo Dumoulin,” reflects their commitment to reviving traditional methods of food preparation. “Old pots make the best dishes!” says Aurélien FABAS, the CEO, reflecting their mission to revitalize ancestral practices and highlight the health benefits of water and fruit kefir in today’s diet. A Health-Conscious Vision: Why Kefir and Fermented Foods? The founders of Kefir Labo Dumoulin chose to focus on kefir because of its deep-rooted history and significant health benefits. “Taking care of your health also means reconnecting with ancestral practices that have proven their worth,” they explain. With an increasing global demand for healthy, functional foods, kefir—rich in probiotics and nutrients—emerges as a powerful solution. Their unique fermentation process amplifies the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables while infusing their products with live beneficial microorganisms, which support optimal microbiota function. Alsace’s Finest Fermentation Experts Based in Alsace, France, Kefir Labo Dumoulin boasts unique fermentation expertise that sets them apart. Their skillful process creates delicious products rich in live microorganisms and essential nutrients. “Our secret? Unique fermentation know-how that enhances fruits and vegetables,” the team explains. This positions them as leaders in organic food, particularly in specialized and short-circuit markets, driving ongoing growth. Competing in a Growing Market for Fermented Foods With rising demand for healthy, fermented beverages, Kefir Labo Dumoulin faces competition but stands out for its quality and transparency. “We lead in specialized organic and short circuit markets,” they assert. Their fruit kefir, praised for its natural probiotics, sparkling taste, and low sugar, is a staple in French organic stores. The clear, additive-free ingredient list ensures consumers receive a health-boosting elixir. Future Aspirations for Labo Dumoulin Kefir Labo Dumoulin is gearing up for a significant opportunity at the SIAL Startup Village event. The team sees this as a chance to expand their reach and connect with key buyers in the industry. “There is significant potential in the world,” they note, highlighting their ambition to grow beyond their current market. By participating in this event, they aim to forge connections that will help them tap into new markets and continue their mission of bringing the health benefits of kefir to a broader audience. With their strong foundation and clear vision, Kefir Labo Dumoulin is poised for success in the global market.

Founded in 2024 by Dayog KABORE, AFOODS® Group is a pioneering food startup transforming our approach to food. With the tagline “A tasting journey to the origin,” AFOODS® merges African expertise with modern techniques to craft innovative, healthy products like PICE PELUS® and AKAJU®. By upcycling cacao, coffee fruit, and cashew apple, AFOODS® offers a unique culinary experience, reconnecting consumers with the roots of these foods. The founder says, “We want to take our consumers on a taste journey back to where it all begins.” Tackling Food Waste Through Innovation under African Food AFOODS® was born from the founders’ desire to address the “ugly realities” associated with popular commodities like cocoa, coffee, and cashews. These ingredients, while widely loved, are often underutilized in modern manufacturing. As African migrants with extensive European experience, the founders leveraged their expertise to create sustainable food innovations. They explain, “These commodities have untapped potential. We saw an opportunity to change that by combining African know-how with modern processing techniques.” Unique Value Proposition and Market Positioning AFOODS® stands out in the competitive food industry by upcycling food waste into high-value products. With minimal B2C competition, their authenticity and competitive pricing position them to capture significant market share. In the B2B sector, the founders believe that they can outshine market leaders and secure a strong foothold with the right funding, stating, “Our authenticity and lower prices will drive our success.” Growth and Expansion AFOODS® is strategically expanding its presence in both Africa and Europe. Based in the Ivory Coast, the company is setting up a sales and marketing team in France to penetrate the European market. “We are looking to expand in France and are keen to meet potential B2B customers, retailers, and investors who can help us grow our market share,” the team shared. This dual-market approach is essential for AFOODS® as they introduce their innovative products to a broader audience. AFOODS® – African Food at SIAL Startup Village and Beyond They view SIAL Startup Village as a critical platform for growth. “We aim to connect with B2B customers and investors who align with our vision while raising brand awareness and establishing key partnerships,” the founders said. In 2024, they plan to expand their customer base, boost sales, and secure funding to drive innovation. AFOODS® is committed to making a mark in the global market, reconnecting consumers with the roots of African cuisine.