The Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit (November 16-18) has partnered with global food companies CPF and Cargill, creating a start-up Innovation Challenge with each partner to uncover fresh talent and technologies to benefit the APAC agri-food value chain.
Start-ups are invited to apply until September 22: www.agrifoodinnovation.com/innovation-challenges-2021.
The CPF Innovation Challenge: Enhancing Texture, Juiciness, and Aroma to Create Healthy Plant-Based Meat Alternatives
Consumer requirements today have become more complex. They don’t just want to consume “Plant-Based” foods, they require products that resemble meat in all aspects such as texture, taste, and nutritional value. CPF is looking for companies with technologies that can give meat alternatives elevated moisture and flavour so that consumers can say: “I can’t believe this is not meat!
Can your technology or ingredient complement extrusion processes to create juicy, nutritious pork and chicken alternatives? Could it deliver a cleaner label for a conscious consumer? CPF wants to hear from you.
Commenting on the challenge, Lalana Thiranusornkij, SVP – Head of Innovation & NPD at CPF GROUP said: “While CPF is a leading global company in animal proteins, we see the consumer shift to Flexitarian. With CPF’s vision to be the “Kitchen of the World”, we want to keep up with changing consumer requirements and provide meat alternatives such as plant-based proteins and cell-based into their diets when they want it! We also look at other protein sources with improved functionality and nutritional benefits in order to match the experience of eating actual meat. We must use technology both in-house and work with the open innovation ecosystem to recreate the taste, texture, and nutritional profile of meat.”
The Cargill Innovation Challenge: Digital Solutions to Connect and Enhance the Sustainable Food Production Chain in APAC
As part of its purpose to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way, Cargill invites start-ups to present digital solutions that support sustainable food production and processing throughout the value chain.
Solutions could range from on-farm digitalization for farmers of all sizes to online marketplaces, supply-chain connectivity, innovative by-products, or manufacturing process that minimize wastage and support processes to cut carbon and contribute to the circular economy. These innovative digital technologies should support environmental, social, and economic sustainability in food production and/or processing.
Colin D’Silva, Vice President Government Relations at CARGILL said: “This is an exciting opportunity for us to bring together people, ideas, and technologies for a more sustainable agri-food value chain. The APAC region presents a rich and diverse supply chain, including smallholder farmers, agri retail and marketplaces, industrial processing, and logistics. Digital solutions offer vital tools to support sustainable practices, efficiencies, and transparency throughout the value chain, supporting the producers, reducing food waste, achieving cost benefits, and creating USPs for the conscious consumer.”
The final pitches will take place during the 4th Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit on November 16-18, as three innovators for each Challenge pitch on-screen to judges from CPF and Cargill, live-streamed to a global audience of agri-food corporates, growers and food brands, investors, retailers and technology providers.
The winners, to be revealed live by CPF and Cargill at the summit, will enjoy tailored mentoring and access to senior innovation teams with their respective Challenge Partner, with scope to develop, pilot, and trial their technologies together. It’s a significant opportunity to accelerate their technology development and go-to-market activities.
See full details of the two challenges at www.agrifoodinnovation.com/innovation-challenges-2021.