Subsequent-Gen Inexperienced Progress: PepsiCo Seeks New F&B Sustainability Tech By Center East Accelerator
International restaurant large PepsiCo is on the lookout for a brand new sustainability know-how within the meals and beverage sector to enhance its enterprise within the Center East area, with plans to additionally flip to different markets, together with Asia-Pacific sooner or later.
PepsiCo launched its PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator program for the Center East and North Africa (MENA) area in November final 12 months, its first version particularly targeted on the area. Earlier this 12 months, the corporate introduced that 10 native finalists had been shortlisted and acquired a $20,000 grant together with guided mentorships, and are at the moment finishing the six-month acceleration program in hopes of successful a grant. of $100,000 from PepsiCo on the finish. of that.
“At PepsiCo, our method to sustainability is constructed into our enterprise, not separate from it. We thought rather a lot about how to ensure our method [has] a major and tangible affect on constructing a extra sustainable meals system [and] realized that innovation is essential to our efforts,”PepsiCo CEO for Africa, Center East and South Asia, Eugene Willemsen, mentioned FoodNavigator-Asia.
It is Good: Shanghai Plant-Based mostly ‘Fried Rooster’ Firm Haofood Reveals Unique Enlargement Plans
Shanghai-based Haofood vegetable firm has solely unveiled its formidable enlargement scopes each at dwelling and overseas after receiving main monetary help from buyers.
The corporate efficiently raised $3.5 million in seed capital from co-investors resembling Monde Nissin CEO Henry Soesanto, Wealthy Merchandise Ventures and Large Concept Ventures. Armed with investments, CEO Astrid Prajogo outlined plans to realize 4,000% to six,000% development by advancing its R&D infrastructure, diversifying gross sales channels and increasing into different areas.
“I really feel extraordinarily grateful and honoured. This funding can permit us to speed up our enterprise,” Astrid mentioned.
Purchase, Eat, Repeat: How Chinese language Plant-Based mostly Startups Can Drive Repeat Buys in a Aggressive Trade
Based on the class pioneer, a three-pronged advertising method protecting well being, security and style is essential to driving gross sales in China’s booming plant house, each to draw new prospects and construct loyalty for sustained gross sales development.
On this episode of the FNA Meals and Beverage Trailblazers podcast, we discuss to Dr. Stefan Schmal, founding father of Jooma China, who’s greatest identified for being one of many nation’s early almond yogurt pioneers, and not too long ago launched a brand new line coconut yogurt.
Regardless of Dr. Schmale’s German roots, he selected to launch Jooma in China as a result of he believes China is a “beacon” for Asian meals developments, and success right here on this planet’s largest nation will pave the way in which for achievement within the largest area on this planet.
“There may be a lot market potential right here in China and in Asia typically for the plant-based sector – in markets like Europe or the USA, plant-based meals are already fairly mature, however this area continues to be in its infancy”,he mentioned FoodNavigator-Asia.
Splitgill sensation: Thailand’s Extra Meat strives for clear label manufacturing whereas planning new RTC line
Thai mushroom-based protein firm Extra Meat is taking steps to achieve clear label recognition whereas additionally engaged on launching a brand new vary of ready-to-cook (RTC) merchandise later this 12 months.
Extra Meat’s enterprise technique revolves across the splitgill fungus, a neighborhood fungus that grows abundantly on rubber timber in Thailand’s many plantations, however is just not well-known or acknowledged as a meals ingredient, even by native customers.
“Analysis has proven that splitgill mushrooms have a excessive beta-glucan content material which is helpful for the mind and immune system, and it additionally has a singular construction which is meaty by itself, with out the necessity for added flavoring to make it much like meat. , so it’s fairly stunning that it has not but been studied extra”,Extra Meat Founder and CEO Kanwra Tanachotevorapong mentioned FoodNavigator-Asia.
Snacking “widespread floor”: Thailand’s MUNCHHH on balancing well being and pleasure for innovation
Thai wholesome snack model MUNCHHH has developed an award-winning vary of snacks primarily based on what it has referred to as the “center floor” of snacking, with a concentrate on balancing well being and indulgence to entice customers to return again for extra.
MUNCHHH was developed by Thailand-based Steadiness Corp, which has the eventual objective of making numerous wholesome snack options with a steadiness of being scrumptious and wholesome on the similar time.
“We search to be a steadiness between snacks that focus solely on being scrumptious, like Lay’s potato chips, and merchandise that target well being, like dietary dietary supplements or substitutes,” Norawee Bussadeegarn, founding father of Steadiness Corp mentioned FoodNavigator-Asia.