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FoodTech France Greentech Impact Innovation New Materials Startup Supply Chain Sustainability
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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 !

FoodTech + 8
Consumer FoodTech Impact Innovation Italy Startup Sustainability
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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.

Consumer + 6
Entrepreneurship Events FoodTech Innovation
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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 !

Entrepreneurship + 3

Startups

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DotBlocks
+ 1
France
Industry, faced with decarbonization objectives for 2030 and beyond, needs accessible and tailored numerical simulation tools to accelerate innovation in the management and design of its processes and products. Current solutions, which are very costly and can only be used by trained experts, are struggling to meet these expectations. DotBlocks aims to meet this need by offering an intuitive, no-code cloud platform, enabling manufacturers to rapidly design their own high-performance, tailor-made simulation tools, with the help of pre-coded components. This approach aims to democratize numerical simulation by making it usable without expertise or training, thus significantly speeding up manufacturers' innovation workflows by making numerical simulation accessible to all the technical teams involved in the process.
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Treble Technologies
Blog+ 3
Iceland
We develop next generation sound simulation and spatial audio technology for digital twins and virtual worlds
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Las Jellys
Blog+ 2
Spain
Las Jellys is a unique product in the world, revolutionizing the beverage industry with premium solid cocktails that replicate the sensation of classic drinks. After validating our product in the Spanish market with an 85% acceptance rate and experiencing exponential organic growth, we're poised for international expansion. We target both B2C and B2B markets, selling premium cocktails through eCommerce and delivery for consumers, as well as wholesale for event planners and catering companies.

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