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Kraft Heinz Innovation Challenge focuses on tomatoes
The Kraft Heinz Co. seeks to partner with startups developing solutions to improve the taste, nutrition and sustainability of tomatoes. The ketchup maker, in collaboration with the organizers of the Future Food-Tech event series, is launching an Innovation Challenge to highlight emerging talent and solve industry challenges.
Previously, Danone North America, Givaudan, Puratos, Kellogg Co., Unilever, Roquette and Quorn Foods have introduced similar initiatives with Rethink Events. Startups may apply for the latest installment at futurefoodtechsf.com/innovation-challenge through Jan. 20, and selected finalists will pitch ideas to Kraft Heinz executives during the Future Food-Tech San Francisco summit March 16-17.
Startups may submit concepts for ingredients, processing and packaging technologies and finished products. Kraft Heinz is most interested in applicants that have proof of principle and prototypes. Solutions may span seed to shelf, tapping into taste, nutrition, convenience, affordability and sustainability.
The winning startup will receive coaching and expertise from Kraft Heinz North America executives, encompassing technical, regulatory, innovation, marketing, scale up and distribution guidance, as well as access to the company’s facilities for on-site support.
Last year, Kraft Heinz at Future Food-Tech San Francisco hosted an Innovation Challenge focused on new applications for beans and pulses. Full Wrap, a gluten-free tortilla made from sprouted legumes, was selected among three finalists and 128 submissions.
According to the Future Food-Tech website, 78 featured start-ups trailblazing their way in the field of food-tech will present ground-breaking solutions live at Future Food-Tech in San Francisco on March 16-17.
The summit has become a global hub, connecting 1500 international food brands, ingredient providers, investors, start-ups and technology leaders, and digging deep into the most critical issues facing the food industry now and in the future.
Callum Alexander-Lindsay, Start-Up Partnerships Manager across the Future Food-Tech series comments: “With rising food prices, insufficient access to nutritious foods, climate change, and consumer adoption of alternatives to farm-based meats, our food system is in need of innovative solutions at scale. This is why it is so hope-inspiring to bring this dynamic group of start-ups together in San Francisco; we have the changemakers needed to solve the challenges for a more sustainable and healthier food system.”
Sources: foodbusinessnews.net, futurefoodtechsf.com
