13 November 2019

3 minute read

Europe

The global pitch competition and networking platform named the winners of its second annual London programme, judged by an esteemed panel of experts.

The pitching startups showcased expertise on key themes and presented novel solutions within emerging F&A trends to an audience of industry players, investors and executives.

Plant-based and personalised nutrition were presented as leading trends, in response to the increasing number of consumers now looking into improving health and consuming a more sustainable diet. With a critical need to eliminate single-use plastics and remove unnecessary packaging, a number of startups proposed next-generation, sustainable packaging solutions, whilst others were finding ways to address the world’s food waste issues and make use of materials already in circulation.

Accelerating agricultural development, the agtech startups addressed everything from increasing crop yield to improving supply chain efficiency with smart technology and AI, bringing to light the real future of farming.

“FoodBytes! really caters to the need for startups and corporates to connect in the food and agriculture industry. By merging the two, there is significant scope to innovate with cross-collaboration and bring the inspiring and original ideas from entrepreneurs to the next level," Tamira Treffers-Herrera, CEO, Rabobank Europe commented. “The solutions we have seen here at FoodBytes! today really adhere to our long term vision to feed the world sustainably with game changing ideas.”

The winners were:

Judge’s Choice: Zero Waste Biotech

Zero Waste Biotech won the Judge’s Choice Award for the development of their Aero-D Machine, which is able to convert food waste into clean, renewable energy, enabling a circular economy.

Stephen Beck, CEO & founder commented: “FoodBytes! has been an action-packed two days with the opportunity to meet corporates, partners, investors and fellow entrepreneurs. We hope that this award will accelerate our entry to the market where we can help businesses combat climate change.”

People’s Choice: Redefine Meat

Redefine Meat won the People’s Choice Award for their pioneering animal-free meat, created with cutting-edge technology and their ability to retain the same appearance, texture and flavour of animal meat, while using sustainable and natural ingredients.

“We’re delighted to get the backing from the audience here at FoodBytes! London today. It’s a humbling accolade as Redefine Meat is created for the people – to bring them better options when it comes to meat-alternatives, animal welfare and environmental responsibility,” said Adam Lahav, Redefine Meat co-founder and CBO.

Highly Commended: Lleaf

Lleaf won the Highly Commended Award for their luminescent light emitting agriculture films, which optimises the sunlight in greenhouses to increase crop yield

Dr. Alexander Soeriyadi, Lleaf CEO and co-Founder, commented, “For us its really about using natural resources the best we can. Lleaf will harness the power of sunlight and prove how we can use it better for growing our food – giving farmers the opportunity to increase their yield, without imposing a negative impact on the environment.”

The 15 pitching companies were:

• CPG: Seaweed & Co., Borrago, Plant Pops
• Agtech: Computomics, N2 Applied, Co2i / DryGro, Lleaf, Trellis
• Food Tech: Stix Fresh, Fresh Check, Zero Waste Biotech, NOURISH3D, Redefine Meat, Element Packaging, Else Nutrition

FoodBytes! London 2019 is supported by official sponsors Compass Group, Saputo Dairy UK (formerly Dairy Crest) and Coca- Cola European Partners Ventures, along with supporting sponsors Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC), DLL, Berry M&H and Watson Farley & Williams LLP.

Watch all the pitches from FoodBytes! London on the Facebook Live Stream.

TheCattleSite News Desk