Startups

In an interview with the Selected podcast during SIAL Paris 2024, as Carrefour's Innovation and VC Funds Director Hélène Labaume talked about her dual role and what it says of the retailer's approach to startups.

Speaking with us for the Selected podcast during Web Summit 2024, LVMH's Mathieu de Fayet shared insights on his journey.

These 20 finalists will pitch on stage during JEC World 2025 as part of the JEC Composites Startup Booster.

Richie Gray, Vice President and Global Head of SnackFutures Ventures at Mondelēz International, shared insights on driving innovation in snacking.

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!

In an interview on the Selected podcast, La Belle Vie CEO and Frichti co-CEO Paul Lê shared the journey of his company from its inception ten years ago to becoming a €100 million business leveraging AI and robotics for more efficient deliveries.

In this podcast episode, Alexandre Leboeuf, VP of Open Innovation and Partnerships at Sodexo, shares insights into how Sodexo is driving sustainability, fostering innovation, and collaborating with startups to build a more resilient food ecosystem. Topics include waste reduction, empowering employees, and the role of technology in transforming food services.

With more than 200 talks on four stages, not to mention the side events, Slush 2024 had so much content to offer that you probably missed some even if you were there. And if you missed it altogether, here are four trends that caught our attention: Second-hand is going mainstream Two high-profile figures of second-hand marketplaces were speakers at Slush 2024: former Depop CEO Maria Ragu, and Vinted co-founder Milda Mitkute. The two companies are incredible success stories in terms of adoption, and also as businesses. Vinted is now valued at €5 billion valuation, and Etsy acquired Depop for some $1.625 billion. “Depop returned 25 times our money,” Creandum general partner Fredrik Cassel said on stage during his fireside chat with Maria. While both entrepreneurs have moved on (Maria, to VC, and Milda, to edtech), second-hand itself is here to stay, and not just in the background.  It’s already blatant in Helsinki, where pre-owned items are a shopping highlight. Premium second-hand clothing can even be found right inside Stockmann, the city’s largest and fanciest department store, and at the airport, where Finnish family business Relove has its own shops, complete with cafés.  But the trend goes well beyond Scandinavia, or clothing; for instance, pre-owned is no longer a taboo for Christmas gifts, and it will be interesting to see if French unicorn Back Market has any numbers to share in January on how many refurbished electronics made their way under the tree during this holiday season. Medtech: The time is now The startup that won this year’s Slush 100 competition was OASYS NOW, a solution to connect patients with clinical trials. It is a sign that there is still a lot to be done in healthtech, but also that startups can help. “Unfortunately healthcare has been quite a drought when it comes to adoption of innovation and technology. We are here to make a difference,” its CEO Nima Salami told Sesamers.  OASYS NOW wasn’t the only healthtech company on stage, including during the finals: Top 3 finalist Mohana Health is a platform to navigate perimenopause. According to its founder and CEO, Dora Jambor it relieves symptoms thanks to three key ingredients: “precision, personalized care and behavioral psychology.” With smart ring maker Oura Health now valued at $5 billion and establishing itself as one of Finland’s top success stories, it is only natural that Slush would be one place where investors are on the lookout for medtech innovation. AstraZeneca’s A.Catalyst Network (A.CN), for instance, was created in 2021 and has been attending the conference every year since then. Don’t sleep on Roblox Roblox is “a sleeping giant to us adults who weren’t playing,” Gamefam chief business officer Ricardo Briceno said. And while we were sleeping, a lot happened: Time spent on the platform skyrocketed, and esthetics changed, too.  There’s also more to come, Gamefam CEO Joe Ferencz argued in a keynote. Roblox, he said, “is likely to disrupt gaming, and maybe media itself.” The key here is user-generated content, which is “changing everything.” These conversations took place at a Slush side event dedicated to the future of gaming, but Roblox was also represented at the conference itself. Its Vice President of Civility & Partnerships, Tami Bhaumik, took part in a panel discussing gaming safety.  EU regulation for the win? European entrepreneurs have mixed feelings about regulation in the region, to say the least. But Slush also brought examples of how legislation is creating tailwinds for startups in some sectors.  One is Slush 100 Top 3 finalist DevAlly, which is helping companies comply with the European Accessibility Act (EAA), which will come into effect on June 28, 2025. “What GDPR did for data protection this act will do for accessibility,” its CEO, Cormac Chisholm, said during his finals pitch. Another example is the textile sector. In a panel featuring Infinited Fiber Company, maker of circular fiber Infinna, and Syre, the recycled polyester venture founded by H&M Group and Vargas Holding, the conversation touched on the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, and how it serves as an incentive for fiber recycling. The startup and investment community in Europe is also taking proactive steps to ensure that regulation plays in its favor.  The most emblematic initiative in that sense is EU Inc, a petition to create a pan-European legal status for startups, and which was also a topic of discussion at Slush. It will definitely be worth tracking: If it works out, it could serve as a platform to introduce other changes that would better serve the startup ecosystem in the EU and beyond.

Beatriz Jacoste, director of KM ZERO Food Innovation Hub, a Valencia-based organization, is on a mission to transform the way we think about food. In this episode, we explored her journey, her vision for a sustainable future of food, and the steps we can take to get there. The full episode is available on YouTube: Driven by Impact Having originally studied diplomacy, Beatriz discovered her interest in the food sector while volunteering at a food bank. As she put it, “Food is the most important and impactful sector in the world.” Building a Community of Food Heroes KM ZERO is more than a think tank; it’s a global hub for food change-makers. The community includes scientists, farmers, entrepreneurs, and investors, all united to create systems that deliver tasty and sustainable food without depleting our planet’s resources. “We believe they are saving the world through food,” Beatriz said. Innovative Trends Shaping the Future Beatriz highlighted cutting-edge trends including molecular farming, which could allow proteins to be grown directly in bananas. She also emphasized the importance of “less sexy” innovations like soil regeneration. “We’ve lost 40% of nutrients in the last 30 years. Technologies that help recover soil health excite me the most,” she noted. Educating the Next Generation KM ZERO’s Gastro Genius program engages children with food-related challenges to educate them on sustainable nutrition and inspire them to become change-makers. According to Beatriz, this is essential for driving long-term change: “If we don’t work with civil society, innovations won’t stick.” Events as Catalysts for Collaboration From summits like f_talks to initiatives in Latin America, KM ZERO leverages events to bring stakeholders together, bridging gaps between startups, corporates, and policymakers. Beatriz believes these gatherings are essential: “We don’t just want to inspire; we want to influence.” Find Beatriz on: LinkedIn: Beatriz Jacoste Lozano Twitter/X: @BeatrizJacoste Find Ben on: LinkedIn: Ben Costantini Twitter/X: @bencostantini — Be sure to follow Sesamers onInstagram, LinkedIn, and X for more cool stories from the people we catch during the best Tech events!

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 !

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.

"Taito.ai’s whose name translates to "skill" in Finnish, positions itself as a scalable, AI-powered solution that enables continuous feedback and coaching on employee performance.