Cory Bush

🌎💵 FoodTech 500 alum NoPalm Ingredients raises significant funding for sustainable palm oil alternative. NoPalm Ingredients has secured €5M in a Seed funding round led by Rubio Impact Ventures, with participation from Fairtree Elevant Ventures, Oost NL, Willow Capital Investments, and The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). The investment will accelerate NoPalm Ingredients' efforts to scale up production and deliver their yeast-based oils globally, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional palm oil. Founded in 2021 by Lars Langhout and Prof Dr Jeroen Hugenholtz, NoPalm Ingredients uses a unique fermentation process involving non-GMO proprietary yeasts and patented technology to convert upcycled agrifood sidestreams into yeast oils. These oils serve as a direct replacement for palm oil, requiring no recipe adjustments and achieving price parity. The process also significantly reduces environmental impact, cutting CO2 emissions by 90% and land use by 99% compared to traditional palm oil production. The company's innovative approach has garnered partnerships with major industry players like Colgate-Palmolive, Unilever, and Zeelandia (Royal Zeelandia Group). With this funding, NoPalm Ingredients aims to scale production to 1.5 million kilograms of sustainable oil annually by 2025, positioning itself as a key player in the food and personal care industries. More information: https://lnkd.in/eWQiyW4g Learn more about NoPalm Ingredients here: https://lnkd.in/e2FEqcg8 #ForwardFooding #palmoil #sustaianbility #biodiversity #emissions #climatechange #deforestation

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🌿💶 NOPALM INGREDIENTS RAISES €5M TO SCALE PALM OIL ALTERNATIVE Dutch startup NoPalm Ingredients has raised €5M ($5.4M) in a seed funding round to accelerate production of its sustainable palm oil alternative. The investment round was led by Rubio Impact Ventures, and co-led by Oost NL, Fairtree Elevant Ventures, and Willow Capital Investments. There was participation from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and other private investors as well. It takes the total raised by NoPalm Ingredients – which makes a fermented yeast-derived alternative to palm oil – to €6M ($6.5M), following a pre-seed round in 2022. The capital will help the startup scale its technology up to industrial levels of 50 cubic metres and beyond, and prepare for its demo factory. “NoPalm Ingredients is a leading pioneer from the Foodvalley ecosystem that is shaping the Dutch and European alternative oils and fats landscape, to create a more sustainable food system,” said Maureen Haverkamp, investment analyst at Oost NL. “Their business model is innovative and appealing to both suppliers and customers and has a clear positive impact on the environment. We’re proud to invest in the innovative team of NoPalm Ingredients.” NoPalm Ingredients, which was founded in 2021 by Lars Langhout and Prof Dr Jeroen Hugenholtz, employs a proprietary fermentation process using non-GMO yeasts and low-capex technology, which can convert local agricultural waste – like potato peels and whey permeate – into yeast oils. NoPalm Ingredients is among a number of companies dedicated to tackling the problematic $70B palm oil industry. These include British firms PALM-ALT and Clean Food Group, New York-based C16 Biosciences, Estonia’s ÄIO, Dutch startup Time-travelling Milkman, and Bay Area company Kiverdi, Inc., among others. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/erg8Y9qM #GreenQueen #futurefoods #foodtech #sustainability #innovation

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ETG is excited to share our journey with Kumasi Drinks, a delicious Cacao Fruit drink originating from West Africa and produced in Austria. Kumasi's focus is on maximizing cocoa fruit waste #upcycling within specific production and processing jurisdictions. This approach aims to enhance farmer income without imposing significant adjustments to their existing practices. Engaging farmers directly in processing without disrupting their routines is a priority for us. We organize pressings to demonstrate minimal bean damage, even conducting on-farm pressings to showcase efficiency and quality. Community income generation is a core objective. Our combined product strategies are designed to boost farmer incomes by an impressive 30%, fostering economic growth in cocoa-producing regions. ETG plays a pivotal role in sourcing pulp from farmers in their supply chain. Koa facilitates direct cocoa pulp collection from farmers, while RVO's financial backing aids Kumasi's marketing efforts. Additionally, the KIT Institute and Solidaridad contribute through impactful studies and capacity-building initiatives. Our distribution network spans retailers like Albert Heijn and HEMA across the Netherlands, France, and Belgium, alongside partnerships with various restaurants in the Netherlands. This widespread distribution ensures Kumasi's reach and impact within the consumer market. In collaboration with our esteemed partners and fueled by a shared vision to create positive and sustainable impact, we are committed to driving meaningful change in the cocoa industry and uplifting farming communities. #farmerincome #sustainability #positiveimpact #cacao #westafrica #developmentimpact #meaningful #cocoaindustry #cocoa

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🌍✨ Yesterday, True Price attended the TAPP Coalition Lustrum Congress in Amsterdam. This event gathered experts and stakeholders to discuss progressive solutions for a sustainable and fair food system. Key topics included true pricing, food taxation, and other strategies to reduce the environmental impact of food production. "It is inevitable and unstoppable: true pricing is one of the key ways we are reforming our economic system"- said Claire van den Broek, our Managing Director, who gave an insightful speech, emphasizing the transformative potential of true pricing. Other presenters touched on the vital steps they are taking in the protein transition, and which agricultural practices can be taken to achieve a more sustainable food system in the Netherlands. The event was a positive step toward collaborative efforts in the Netherlands and the European food system. We look forward to furthering our mission to make true pricing a cornerstone of a sustainable future. Thanks to TAPP Coalitie for organizing🌱🔍 #TruePricing #Sustainability #FoodSystem #EconomicReform #EnvironmentalImpact #SocialImpact #TruePrice 

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🍫 Chocolatius Approach 🍫 In the cocoa market, supply challenges from weather and other factors are impacting major producers, leading to unfulfilled orders and a loss of market confidence. Coupled with longstanding issues like low farmgate prices and aging cocoa trees, these challenges are creating a ripple effect. As climate patterns become more erratic, this trend could affect various commodities. It's a pivotal moment for companies to invest in products that can withstand these fluctuations. At Stonefield Flavours, innovation is at the core of what we do. Our product, Chocolatius, is a testament to our commitment to providing sustainable and cost-effective solutions. It's designed to tackle the rising cocoa prices head-on, ensuring that end consumers can continue to enjoy high-quality products without compromise.

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🥩💰 MOSA MEAT SECURES €40M TO EXPAND PRODUCTION AND ACCELERATE LAUNCH The company that proved the concept for cultivated meat all those years ago is now gearing up for public tastings and market entry with a new €40M ($42.4M) round of financing. It takes Mosa Meat’s total raised to more than $135M, following its previous $85M Series B and $8M Series A rounds. The oversubscribed round was led by Lowercarbon Capital and M Ventures , and included backing from new government-backed players like Dutch state-owned impact investor Invest-NL (partly with coverage from EU Commission programme InvestEU), Limburg province’s regional development agency LIOF, and the Limburg Energy Fund, a regional fund to support emissions reduction. Other investors included poultry producer PHW Group (which has a background in alternative protein and cultivated meat financing), XO Ventures, Doux Investments, and others. Mosa Meat’s latest financing round is the largest sum brought in by a cultivated meat company since November 2022, when Australia’s Vow (which incidentally received regulatory approval for the sale of its cultivated quail in Singapore earlier this month) raised $49.2M. It reflects the tough funding environment for cultivated meat, which was labelled a “sector to watch” by AgFunder after VC investments nosedived by 78% in 2023, against a larger 49% drop in agrifood tech funding last year. “The overall macroeconomic landscape has been rough in the last two years, which has culled the herd of companies and forced us to be even more strategic and focused on achieving our mission,” said Mosa Meat CEO Maarten Bosch. “As such, we are humbled and honoured to welcome both public parties and conventional meat producers to join this critical journey.” The company will use the funds to further scale up its production processes, following the May 2023 opening of what it claims is currently the world’s largest cultivated meat facility in Maastricht, Netherlands. This “cultivated meat campus” is its fourth plant, expanding its footprint to 7,340 sq m (79,007 sq ft), and has a 1,000-litre bioreactor scale that can produce “tens of thousands of cultivated hamburgers”. The capital will also help Mosa Meat accelerate its market entry. The startup is actively pursuing regulatory approval in “North America, Asia, Europe, the UK and more”, according to Bosch, who told Green Queen in September: “We’re engaging policymakers at the national and international levels to encourage the enabling conditions necessary to foster thriving cellular agriculture ecosystems.” #GreenQueen #altprotein #futurefood #cultivatedmeat #foodsystems #sustainability

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Unlocking Strategic Growth: The Critical Role of Corporate Affairs in Scale-Up Food Tech Enterprises In an era where food tech is not just an industry but a revolution, the role of corporate affairs cannot be overstated. For example during a call last week with a key leader in industrial biotechnology his role has been instrumental in navigating complex corporate landscapes, shaping the discourse around sustainable biotech solutions. The strategic pivot from traditional biotech to an emerging leader in synthetic biology illustrates the dynamic capabilities required to drive organizational success. In today’s competitive market, the unique blend of sustainability, crisis management, and internal communications is more than just support functions; they are integral to corporate strategy and development. Moving to a startup scale-up environment showcases the critical interface between corporate affairs and overall business growth, proving that strategic corporate affairs leadership is essential for navigating and leveraging market opportunities. As food tech businesses scale, they need leaders who can seamlessly integrate various disciplines within corporate affairs to forge robust, innovative pathways in industry shaping. Let’s champion the significance of these roles and recognize their impact on our journey towards a sustainable future. #FoodTech #CorporateAffairs #Leadership #Sustainability #BusinessStrategy #Biotechnology

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It all started as an initiative to connect Scandagra Lithuania management to Wageningen University & Research. Mariana, Rogier, Lizzy, the master minds behind the The Global Network of Lighthouse Farms, saw the potential for professional education and started a Lighthouse Farm Academy, to which we as Cycle to Farms contributed when addressing the realities of #regenerative agriculture in Africa. Navigating new agricultural systems and developing business models that collaborate with nature is extremely challenging. This course guides you through this process and I am sure it could provide the inspiration you need. https://lnkd.in/dzdJnSaP

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Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) had the pleasure of welcoming Marjan Trompetter, Chair of the Supervisory Board of Rabobank, a cooperative bank rooted in agriculture, serving 90% of all farmers in the Netherlands. Their website states that “As a cooperative that prioritises growing a better world for the generations to come, sustainability is integrated into all of Rabobank’s business operations and growth aspirations”. KFBG (formerly Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Association) also has its roots in agriculture, helping more than 300,000 farmers with interest-free loans for pigsty construction, two to three sows as breeding stock, as well as farming training, beginning way back in 1956. In 1995, it was repurposed as a centre for nature conservation, holistic education and sustainable living, including regenerative agriculture. Rabobank’s Asia CEO Melody Wan and Asia Sustainability Lead Ellen Lam also joined the tour, where we discussed farming and the future of agriculture in Hong Kong – and of course sustainability. Hong Kong imports 98% of its food and farmland occupies less than 0.7% of the territory. There are some 4,000 farmers in Hong Kong, but with the exception of a few, these are parttime occupations, as focusing on food production alone does not make it possible to make a living. Agriculture is important for other reasons: it provides opportunities for leisure and recreation, connecting citizens with food production as many urbanites have no idea how food is being produced, but they are increasingly interested. Our agriculture courses, like apiary tours and beehive courses are in high demand; our coffee growing workshops are regularly sold out and our ‘harvesting and cooking together’ programmes are popular too. Farmland is also an important habitat for many animals, especially birds, as most land is farmed on a small scale and often organically. In our 2022 report “The Hidden Oases of Hong Kong: High Ecological Value Farmland in the Proposed Northern Metropolis”, we registered 153 species, showing the importance of this habitat; the report can be downloaded for free from www.kfbg.org KFBG is the only place in Hong Kong with productive tea plantations, and as tea is a key ingredient of the Chinese culture, we use this extensively in our agro-educational programmes. The future of farming in Hong Kong is different than the future of agriculture in the Netherlands, but hopefully small-scale farming methods, where most of the economic value is derived from lateral activities with a principal place for nature, will become more mainstream in the Netherlands as well. Our Rabobank guests (below with our own Tsz Lam Yip) enjoyed the day, particularly the visit to the tea plantations. Disclaimer: I grew up in the Netherlands as a farmer’s son, and of course, with Rabobank. #farming #nature #Netherlands #Hong Kong #tea production #coffee growing #sustainability

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A coalition of companies in the Netherlands, including Unilever, FrieslandCampina, Albert Heijn, Lidl Nederland, Jumbo Supermarkten, Dirk, DekaMarkt, de Smaakspecialist | B Corp™, Grupo Ebro Foods, Velder, and Enrico Foods, has come together to address the issue of food waste by providing consumers with clearer information on expiry dates. "After years of reducing food waste by consumers, this downward trend has stagnated," commented Toine Timmermans, director of Food Waste Free United. "More is needed to ensure that food waste is halved by 2030 according to SDG12.3." #foodwaste #expirydates #netherlands #consumer https://lnkd.in/gWy-AVJj

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New episode 🌿 My guest this week is Koen van Seijen, host of the Investing in Regenerative Agriculture and Food podcast. Over the last 7 years, he has recorded and published over 300 conversations with inspiring people looking to transform our food system from the most destructive activity on the planet into a powerful climate solution. In this conversation, Koen explains why he believes that investing in #regenerativeagriculture makes a lot of sense. I asked him a whole range of questions and we got into some really interesting conversations about nutrient density, farmers’ mental health, agricultural subsidies, technology and much much more. We also discuss some of his favorite episodes and guests: 🐮 Matt Chatfield - How a nature-friendly approach can produce high-quality meat while supporting biodiversity. 🙏 Satish Kumar - Nature is incredibly complex and intelligent. We need to be more humble and work with nature, but stop thinking we can outsmart it.  🧑‍🌾 New Foundation Farms - Their vision of showing that a large-scale complex multi species farm can be financially profitable while selling foods for an affordable price is ambitious and inspiring. If they show that it’s possible, it could create a big shift. 🧑‍⚕️ Zach Bush, MD - a doctor who has been studying the impact of glyphosate on health, showing how detrimental to health chemical inputs actually are. 🫶 Benedikt Bösel who also has an impressive transition story and who has become a great friend since they recorded a whole podcast series together. Some other people or companies mentioned in the discussion: Paul McMahon, SLM Partners, Chuck de Liedekerke, Soil Capital, Jeroen Klompe, Lenteland, Anne van Leeuwen, Nofence, Collie, Rick Clark, Regenerative Food Systems Investment 🎧 To listen to the full conversation - 2 options: 1. search for "Deep Seed" on Spotify / Apple Podcast 2. or click the link in the comments below This podcast was produced in partnership with Soil Capital, a company that supports #regenerativeagriculture by financially rewarding farmers who improve soil health. ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ I need you help! 🙏 If you appreciate my work and this podcast, you can help me in just 10 seconds: 1. clicking the ‘follow’ button (Spotify / Apple Podcast) 2. leaving a 5⭐️ review Thank you! Raphael Esterhazy

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Do you want to build thought leadership? As an expert in the agriculture sector, positioning yourself as a thought leader is very crucial to building a strong personal brand. We have two options for you: ♦️Podcast thought leadership positioning, just like my session with Ruud (Rudolf) Overbeek of FoodChain ID. * We learn more about you, and what you do. * We create topics and derive questions in line with your work. * We prepare you for your podcast session and fix a record date. * We record your episode, edit it, and publish it. * We create snippets, audiograms, and more to showcase and build on your personal brand. ♦️ Advanced thought leadership positioning. 👉Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dUwc9yZJ Ready to build your brand and gain authority as an industry expert? Get in touch with us. 💌 hello@letstalkagriculture.com 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eCY5Ar-f Follow, Let's Talk Agriculture - Public Relations for industry-specific insights. #Agriculture #Podcast #Thoughtleadership #Business #Marketing #Agribusiness #Brandawareness #Personalbranding

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Unlocking the Potential of Fava Beans: A Beacon for Europe’s Plant-Based Future As the global dialogue on sustainable agriculture intensifies, fava beans are emerging as a cornerstone in the plant-based revolution. Foodnavigator's recent analysis highlights the opportunities and challenges of cultivating fava beans in Europe, aligning perfectly with NUTRIS.tech’s mission. Fava Beans in Europe: An Opportunity for Localised Supply Chains Thriving in Europe’s varied climates, fava beans offer a more localized and traceable ingredient, reducing supply chain complexity and supporting the European Union’s sustainability directives. Navigating Challenges with Innovative Solutions European producers face challenges like optimizing cultivation and scaling production. NUTRIS.tech’s pioneering efforts include bridging agriculture with food technology. Their Novi Senkovac facility is not only the first European fava bean protein isolate factory but a leader in sustainable food production. NUTRIS.tech: Leading with Innovation and Sustainability With a €50 million investment, their facility forefronts the extraction of high-quality protein isolates and fibers, underpinned by patented technology from the University of Copenhagen, ensuring minimal environmental impact. A Commitment to Local Agriculture and Global Nutrition Partnering with over 500 local farmers, NUTRIS.tech is enhancing community-based agriculture and creating a sustainable, ethical food supply chain that supports local economies and global health. The Road Ahead: Scaling Impact through Collaboration NUTRIS.tech's plans to expand capacity to 70,000 tonnes by 2030 exemplify their commitment to leading industry change, promoting sustainable practices, and healthier diets. Join Us in Making Food Better Together Collaboration is vital as we navigate the food industry's complexities. Visit https://lnkd.in/eXsi54SP to learn more or connect with CEO, Zvonimir Sedlic. Together, let's transform food production for a sustainable future.

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"Coffee #farms come in all shapes and sizes. According to the Fairtrade Foundation, however, 25 million smallholder producers grow up to a staggering 80% of the world’s coffee supply. The term “#smallholder” is often overused in specialty coffee, but generally refers to producers who grow coffee on an area five hectares or smaller. In specialtycoffee, we collectively place so much value on paying higher prices to producers, yet the #wealthgap still persists. So given that such a high percentage of farmers aren’t currently earning a #living wage, should the size of a coffee farm impact the prices they receive?" Melina Devoney speaks to Alan Tomlins, Director at Raw Material Coffee CIC, and Will Corby, Director of Coffee and Social Impact at Pact Coffee to dive into these questions, coffee prices, and industry challenges. https://lnkd.in/eRK5Bwmq

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In the News ➪ The 300th Episode of Investing in Regenerative Agriculture and Food Podcast In this episode: 🎤 The tables are turned and Koen van Seijen is interviewed by Naeem Lakhani and Antony Yousefian of The First Thirty about his journey in regenerative food and agriculture. 📢 Koen officially announces the launch of the Generation-Re investment syndicate. ❓And… you will find Koen's answer to the 1 billion dollar question. Listen here ➪ https://lnkd.in/d3GSbSe9 #regenerativeagriculture #regenerativefarming #investing #investment #podcasts #biodiversity

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IFOAM Organics Europe WE DID IT! Great news the Nature Restore Act of the EU is passed. Let´s start by rebuilding/restoring our beautiful Europeaan country side as fast as we can. The fastest way is switching to more organic farming without chemicals and pesticides. Who is with me! #organicfarming #wholeplantbasedfood #artisanfood #foodandhealth Plant Based Foodie Forever

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🥚🌱 VEGETARIAN BUTCHER ADOPTS EVERY COMPANY'S ANIMAL-FREE EGG WHITES Unilever-owned The Vegetarian Butcher will make use of The EVERY Company’s microbial egg whites as a clean-label binder in some of its meat-free formulations, marking a major collaboration in the alternative protein world. The Vegetarian Butcher’s chicken, beef, pork and fish analogues are present in thousands of retailers and foodservice outlets across Europe and beyond. Its partnership with The Every Co – the only company that has commercialised precision-fermented egg proteins – is a step in its efforts to do away with chicken-derived eggs from its entire lineup. Incorporating the animal-free egg white into its meat alternatives will allow it to provide a clean-label option to consumers who are increasingly apprehensive about ultra-processed foods and long ingredient lists. “When on a mission, we love to work with the right partners to become even more impactful together,” The Vegetarian Butcher said in a statement. “This breakthrough, clean-label ingredient is a natural fit with The Vegetarian Butcher’s mission to release animals from the food chain.” Currently, The Vegetarian Butcher uses methylcellulose in its formulations, which is becoming less and less popular among meat analogue makers. While it’s widely used in the industry as a binder and gelling agent, its overprocessed nature, complex moniker, and use in laxatives has garnered it a bad rep – in 2022, Beyond Meat was sued for using the ingredient while putting ‘all-natural’ claims on its burgers (it no longer labels them this way). The Dutch startup isn’t the first to use the Every EggWhite to fine-tune meat analogues – last year, Colombia’s Compañía Nacional de Chocolates de Perú - Grupo Nutresa partnered with The Every Company to use its animal-free egg white as a binder for products under its Zenú and Pietran brands. The Silicon Valley startup has also collaborated with ingredients giant Ingredion Incorporated and drinks conglomerate AB InBev in the past. #GreenQueen #altprorein #futurefoods #foodtech #sustainability #foodsystems #climateaction

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