Latest food tech and innovation news, jobs and events.
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food tech connect
Investment
FEATURED
2018 U.S. Food & Beverage Startup Investment Report (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=5bf24c80e6&e=2715c96b29)
Over $1.45B was invested across 247 deals in 2018, according to the research in our second annual investment report produced in partnership with Ryan Willams. Check out the report for a deep dive into the investor and investment trends.
Dairy and Meat Alternatives Rank in the Most Investments in 2018 (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=7f5315be6b&e=2715c96b29) - Food Dive
Plant-centric alternatives to meat and dairy accounted for one-third of total investment in food and beverage startups in 2018, according to our investment report.
Beyond Meat Debuts Beyond Beef, First VC Fund Dedicated to Psychedelics Launches + More (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=d92d958472&e=2715c96b29)
Our round-up of this week's top food innovation news.
the blend
CPG
Tyson's Answer to Fake Meat Craze: Half-Pea, Half-Beef Burger (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=3438ec3e78&e=2715c96b29) - Bloomberg
Aiming to satisfy demands of flexitarians, Tyson's will debut the hybrid meat-plant patties, hybrid chicken-plant sausages and meatballs and a plant-based chicken nuggets substitute this year in grocery stores as well as restaurants.
Layn Expands into CBD Market with $60M Investment (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=628aa75e5a&e=2715c96b29) - Food Dive
The company known for its high-intensity sweeteners is bringing food industry knowledge and know-how to produce ingredients out of the substance.
Zume Inc Acquires Pivot Packaging, Launches Plant-based Alternative to Plastic Food Containers (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=12e7bbebb4&e=2715c96b29) - The Spoon
The company is launching a new plant-based packaging system that rivals plastic in both use and cost. The new compostable food container technology comes via the acquisition of Pivot Packaging. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Free-Range Milk Company Raises $10M (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=8089437ee0&e=2715c96b29) - Food Dive
Alium Capital led the round. Hart Dairy will use the capital to expand its product offerings and increase production capabilities. It plans to continue innovating its animal welfare practices.
LaCroix Slammed with New Lawsuit Alleging Execs Sparred Over Whether to Falsely Claim Its Cans Were Free of Toxic Chemicals (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=4ea9bfb034&e=2715c96b29) - Business Insider
A new lawsuit that claims the president of its parent company, National Beverage Corporation, planned to falsely state that its sparkling water cans were free of toxic BPA.
LaCroix Maker's Drop Erases $2.7B of Founder's Wealth (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=7adec159e5&e=2715c96b29) - Bloomberg
Nick Caporella, the chairman and founder of National Beverage Corp, has lost more than half of his net worth in the past nine months.
Hormel Says It's Been Thinking About Plant-Based Protein, Too (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=1a4d2ef254&e=2715c96b29) - StarTribune
It's taking on a hot niche with a pizza topping and other plant-based foods.
Perdue Gets into Plant-Based Food with Blended Chicken Plus Line (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=c0d2b1f2d0&e=2715c96b29) - Food Dive
The new product line is made of cauliflower, chickpeas, plant protein and white meat chicken.
Beyond Meat CEO on "Meatier" Patty: Fans Will Absolutely Taste the Difference (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=0de52a5e76&e=2715c96b29) - Fast Company
The newest iteration of the Beyond Meat burger includes more protein and features marbling that's meant to look and melt just like beef.
Upcycling: A Big Food Problem with a Startup Solution? (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=b581eb08a6&e=2715c96b29) - Food Dive
Food waste is worth $46.7b and is expected to grow 5% during the next decade, providing companies with a lucrative way to make money and cater to consumers who value sustainability.
I've Been Running an Ice Cream Company for 10 Years. Here's What I've Learned About Life and Business (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=53e3b041d8&e=2715c96b29) - Fast Company
Coolhaus's cofounder Natasha Case share her biggest lessons from building an ice cream company from scratch.
misfits market
RETAIL
Misfits Market Raises $16.5M for Their 'Ugly' Produce Subscription Box (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=3fb17c27b0&e=2715c96b29) - TechCrunch
Greenoaks Capital led the round. The company plans to expand into Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.
Kroger to Sell CBD Products Nationwide (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=92a0a10e83&e=2715c96b29) - Grocery Dive
Kroger will begin carrying topical products containing CBD at stores in 17 states this week.
Amazon Is Descending on New York with Another Cashier-Free Store (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=d3ed276298&e=2715c96b29) - CNBC
The new 1,700-sq-foot store in Midtown Manhattan went into operation Tuesday. It is the 13th Amazon Go location in the US.
India's Jumbotail Raises $12.7M to Digitize Convenience Stores with Its Wholesale Marketplace (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=fd3e48d642&e=2715c96b29) - TechCrunch
The Series B financing round was led by Heron Rock. It will invest fresh capital in developing AI solutions to improve its supply chain network, and make it easier for brands to get started on the marketplace.
Starbucks Launches New Initiatives Abroad (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=7fac03037f&e=2715c96b29) - Nation's Restaurant News
Starbucks is exploring ghost kitchens in China and reusable cups in the UK.
What You Need to Know About Chewy's IPO (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=c6f7573288&e=2715c96b29) - Forbes
The online pet supply retailer is expected to IPO on June 14. At a price range of $19-21 per share, the company plans to sell up to $112m, while controlling shareholder PetSmart plans to sell an additional $720m.
sweetgreen
RESTAURANTS
Sweetgreen Has Acquired Galley (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=fdbefe2ae9&e=2715c96b29) - Technical.ly
Both of the DC-homegrown companies will merge in sweetgreen's first-ever acquisition for an undisclosed sum. Sweetgreen will leverage the meal delivery startup's logistics tech, live courier operations and high-volume production.
Uber Will Start Testing Eats Drone Delivery (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=5774a34c34&e=2715c96b29) - TechCrunch
The news comes after the Federal Aviation Administration awarded Uber and San Diego, CA the right to test commercial delivery via drone.
India's Zomato Flies Drone to Deliver Food in Successful Test (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=bb28455af6&e=2715c96b29) - TechCrunch
The drone carried a payload of 11 pounds and covered 3.1 miles in 10 minutes.
Amazon to Shut Down Its Amazon Restaurants Business in the US (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=6c727d7dce&e=2715c96b29) - GeekWire
The service gave Prime members a way to get meals delivered to their door, using the Amazon Restaurants website or through the Prime Now shopping app.
infarm
AGRICULTURE
Germany: Infarm Closes $100M Series B to Scale Its 'Urban Farming Platform' (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=68508ec923&e=2715c96b29) - TechCrunch
The round is led by London VC Atomico. The capital will be used to further scale the company's growth in Europe, the US and beyond as well as grow the R&D, operational and commercial teams.
Ÿnsect Secures €20m Grant from EU to Make France an Industrial Bug Hub (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=ecb4147a4b&e=2715c96b29) - AgFunderNews
Ÿnsect has been awarded a €20m grant from the European Commission and a €3.7b European public-private partnership to build an industrial-sized facility in northern France.
Aquaculture Startups Aquabyte Raises $10M Series A Financing to Transform Fish Farming Industry with Machine Learning (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=c4df3869b8&e=2715c96b29) - Tech Startups
The round was led by Costanoa Ventures and New Enterprise Associates. It will be used to accelerate product development and grow its product line.
Trump Orders Federal Agencies to Ease Approval of New GMO Crops (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=ea401e70df&e=2715c96b29) - Bloomberg
Trump signed an executive order directing the USDA, FDA and EPA to ease rules for approving genetically modified crops and other agricultural biotechnology.
Land O'Lakes CEO: Farmers Are in Crisis—and America Isn't Paying Attention (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=51f75ad0a4&e=2715c96b29) - Fortune
Median farm income was negative $1.5k in 2018.
The Beyond Meat of Fish Is Coming (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=ab66c91ef4&e=2715c96b29) - Bloomberg
Skyrocketing demand is depleting oceans and fueling a problematic fish-farming industry. These companies may have a solution.
Indigo Launches Carbon Market to Incentivize Farmers to Transition to Regenerative Agriculture (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=262d8682c9&e=2715c96b29) - AgFunderNews
Indigo Agriculture has unveiled its latest initiative, and it's the most ambitious yet; the Boston-based agtech startup wants to reverse climate change.
Startups Swarm to Build Bee-Based Businesses (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=0881734a74&e=2715c96b29) - Crunchbase News
The industriousness of bees is something to bee-hold, which is why founders are partnering with them to scale their hives.
Regenerating the Soil Transformed This Indiana Farm (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=b9897a2fcf&e=2715c96b29) - Civil Eats
On his 7,000-acre property, Rick Clark uses non-GMO seeds, no-till farming, crop rotation, and cover crop diversity to regenerate soils and turn a profit.
'It's Going to Be a Year Without Income:' One Farmer Faces the Wettest 12 Months on Record (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=c94e68598b&e=2715c96b29) - Wall Street Journal
Many farmers across the Midwest are facing an exceptionally rainy planting season. One farmer in Ohio finds himself looking to fill the days he would normally spend planting.
Mid-Sized Farms Are Disappearing. This Program Could Reverse the Trend. (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=efc52d7889&e=2715c96b29) - Civil Eats
A new 'Ag of the Middle' program helps small producers scale up so that they can compete in a food system designed to benefit larger farms.
Field Trip Ventures
EATERS
Canada: Say "High" to the World's First Venture Fund Exclusively for Psychedelics (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=0a3f38e960&e=2715c96b29) - Merry Jane
Field Trip Ventures wants drugs like LSD, psilocybin and MDMA to become the "new wave of the path that's been created by cannabis."
Years in the Making, FDA Will Publish a List of "High-Risk: Foods (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=59c7b5ced2&e=2715c96b29) - New Food Economy
The goal is to reduce food poisoning outbreaks—possibly with a bit of public shaming.
https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=8ccdb7d4a3&e=2715c96b29
LATEST JOB LISTINGS
Co-Founder / CEO - Dietary Supplement at Sugarbreak (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=a27c40b4dc&e=2715c96b29) - New York, NY
Product Marketing Manager - Crop Marketing at Farmers Business Network (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=822686f6e9&e=2715c96b29) - Chicago, IL
Sales Associate at BentoBox (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=ae21c32a21&e=2715c96b29) - New York, NY
Design Intern at Gotham Greens (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=4f61bdd2da&e=2715c96b29) - Brooklyn, NY
Senior Manager of Social Media Marketing - Applegate at Hormel Foods (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=27c9ed3f52&e=2715c96b29) - Bridgewater, NJ
Warehouse Operations Specialist at Gustiamo (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=44a6776cd3&e=2715c96b29) - New York, NY
Contract Manufacturing Operations Supervisor at Hope and Main (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=eb0c056b83&e=2715c96b29) - Warren, RI
19066- Manager, Food Loss & waste Program at WWF (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=70f4f8c654&e=2715c96b29) - Washington DC, MD
Senior Scientist — Plant-Based Specialization at The Good Food Institute (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=cbac0fd988&e=2715c96b29) - Remote
Sales Operations Internship at SHELFMINT (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=34202123a1&e=2715c96b29) - New York, NY
VP of Operations at Supermantural (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=23d71a8d61&e=2715c96b29) - New York, NY
Account Manager at Leanpath (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=9cd7b53fe2&e=2715c96b29) - Portland, OR
Community and Marketing Manager at Banner Butter (https://foodtechconnect.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5137626c88ab3a61c40112a42&id=6b8eebd57f&e=2715c96b29) - Atlanta, GA
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