Sustainability

Fungu’it is leading a new approach to sustainable food ingredients by transforming plant-based by-products through innovative fungal fermentation. The startup is focused on producing high-value, natural flavors that improve both the taste and nutritional value of food products while reducing waste. “We’re committed to making industrial food production healthier and more eco-friendly,” shares Fungu’it’s CEO, Anas Erridaoui. By using fungi’s natural abilities, Fungu’it offers food manufacturers a sustainable and cost-effective way to enhance their products. From By-Products to High-Value Ingredients with Fungal Fermentation At Fungu’it, the magic lies in their unique use of fungal fermentation. The process involves upcycling agricultural by-products, like faba beans, into aromatic ingredients through a resource-efficient method called solid-state fermentation. “Our technology allows us to turn plant-based by-products into flavors that enhance food without artificial additives,” explains CTO Jeanne Baudevin. This fermentation method is especially valuable for plant-based meats, where Fungu’it’s ingredients can replace 80% of added flavors and reduce salt content by 50%. A Natural Solution for Sustainable Food Ingredients Fungu’it’s sustainable ingredients have found an enthusiastic audience in the plant-based meat industry, where manufacturers look for natural ways to enhance flavor and texture. “Our target includes leaders like Beyond Meat and French innovators like HappyVore, who aim to improve their products’ taste profiles without synthetic additives,” Anas shares. With ingredients that create robust, savory flavors, Fungu’it provides a healthier alternative that helps companies meet the demands of eco-conscious consumers seeking natural food options. Expanding into Cocoa Alternatives Fungu’it is also creating sustainable alternatives for cocoa products, providing manufacturers with solutions to address supply chain risks in cocoa farming, like climate change and labor issues. “By offering a reliable, cost-effective alternative to cocoa, we support companies in creating ethical and sustainable products,” notes COO Cyrille Viossat. Fungu’it’s approach not only meets consumer demand for ethical ingredients but also offers food producers a versatile, sustainable option for chocolates, cocoa powder, and baked goods. Stay ahead in the event industry! Follow Sesamers on LinkedIn and Instagram, and subscribe to our newsletters for the latest insights, tips, and event news.

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.