Food Tech Congress 2022

Founded in 2020 in France, Black Idol is redefining what it means to enjoy a cup of coffee. The company blends pleasure with purpose, offering coffee infused with health benefits to combat aging and overweight. Their tagline says it all: “The first range of pleasure and functional coffees with green tea polyphenols to fight against overweight and aging.” The Inspiration Behind the Name “Black is naturally the color of coffee, and ‘idol’ represents several essential aspects of coffee: it’s the most consumed beverage after water, a drink of pleasure with an unrivaled range of flavors and aromas,” says Benoît Lion, the Co-Founder. This carefully chosen name reflects coffee’s cultural importance and universal appeal. It’s more than just a beverage—it’s a cherished daily ritual for millions. Black Idol taps into this global love of coffee, combining it with their mission to enhance well-being. Fighting Aging and Overweight At its core, Black Idol’s mission tackles two of the most pressing concerns of modern life: aging and excess weight. Lion explains: “Every breath releases free radicals that speed up aging, but antioxidants like green tea polyphenols can slow this. Coffee, the second most consumed drink globally, was the perfect way to deliver these benefits.” By partnering with scientists, Black Idol infused these polyphenols into coffee capsules, offering more than just a caffeine boost. Green Tea Polyphenols: Coffee with a Purpose Black Idol isn’t your average coffee brand. Its unique incorporation of green tea polyphenols turns each cup into a tool for health: “These antioxidants help burn belly and waist fat, making our second coffee in the range ideal for those struggling with weight management. This product specifically targets the 59% of European adults dealing with overweight.”In every cup, the company transforms coffee into an effortless and enjoyable way to promote long-term health and wellness. A Team of Experts What sets Black Idol apart isn’t just its product innovation but the powerhouse team behind it. Jérôme De France, the Founder of FranceToner, has over 25 years of entrepreneurial expertise, including managing logistics to optimize costs. Benoît Lion specializes in mass communication, with 25 years of experience in TV, radio, and billboard campaigns, helping retailers enhance visibility. Maxime Schipman, a digital communication expert, has worked with multiple high-growth startups that were acquired for millions.“We are a team of three experienced and complementary professionals,” Schipman emphasizes. Their combined expertise ensures that Black Idol is innovative and poised for sustainable growth. Standing Out in a Competitive Market Facing established competitors Black Idol stays confident in its unique innovation. Schipman highlights what sets Black Idol apart: “We go further with our patented process, concentrating green tea polyphenols in a liquid form, inside each capsule.”This technological edge gives them a competitive advantage, offering not just enriched coffee, but a functional beverage that addresses two significant health concerns: aging and weight gain. Expansion and Future Goals Black Idol is expanding its customer base and physical distribution, aiming to grow in France and internationally. By participating in SIAL Startup Village, the brand seeks to connect with industry leaders and unlock new opportunities. For 2024, Black Idol plans rapid retail expansion, driven by a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities, reinforcing the brand’s mission to redefine coffee and enhance well-being and pleasure in every cup.

O’Taste, a startup revolutionizing food, is gaining attention with its innovative approach to taste and health. Founded in 2024, the company enhances sweet and salty flavors while reducing sugar and sodium in food products. “Our name reflects delivering taste simply and healthily,” says Guy Ben Zvl, the CEO and Founder, highlighting their mission to transform food processing. The Science Behind O’Taste’s Breakthrough O’Taste’s innovation emerged from Omega-3 research, which led to a sugar granulation process that boosts sweetness without extra sugar. Consequently, “We saw this technology’s potential for various products, including salt, creating endless possibilities,” shares ZVI. They stand out by preserving natural flavor integrity without relying on artificial additives. A Multidisciplinary Team Driving Health-Focused Innovations The team behind O’Taste comprises professionals from a wide range of disciplines, all working together toward a common goal: promoting health-conscious food trends. “We’ve assembled a top-notch team to develop the project, combining expertise from different fields,” ZVI explains. The company’s patented technology has already caught the attention of major players in the food industry, positioning the company to disrupt the market with its unique approach. Tackling Health Challenges Without Compromising Flavor O’Taste is addressing one of the food industry’s biggest challenges—reducing sugar and salt without sacrificing taste. By enhancing flavor while cutting down on harmful ingredients, they provide a solution that specifically targets industries heavily reliant on sugar and sodium. “Our technology faces no direct competition yet,” ZVI confidently says, underscoring their pioneering role in food manufacturing. Revenue is expected to be generated through raw material production and licensing the innovative technology to other food manufacturers. Preparing for European Expansion in 2025 O’Taste is already planning its expansion into Europe, with a production facility set to open in 2025. “SIAL Startup Village is ideal for networking, expanding our customer base, and meeting investors,” says ZVl. The company’s 2024 goals include setting up new production facilities and expanding its global distributor network for rapid growth. Driven by a Passion for Health-Conscious Innovations With a bold vision and groundbreaking technology, O’Taste is well-positioned to lead the next wave of health-conscious food innovations. As ZVI enthusiastically states, “Every morning, we get up to optimize our process and share sunny days with the world.” This deep-rooted passion for creating a positive impact drives the company forward in its mission to promote healthier eating through innovative technology.

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.