Uncovering trends through meaningful conversation ABOUT OUR FINDINGS
Our research began with a database of 512 companies, spanning program alumni, external resources, project databases and experts.
From there, we engaged 172 organizations, leading to in-depth conversations with 52 of them to uncover key insights into their work, challenges, and potential.
These discussions shaped the findings you’ll discover in this booklet, offering a direct line to the latest trends and opportunities in sustainable food innovation.
Over the next pages, you’ll find seven key trends, including real-world applications, which we hope inspire you to re-think your organizations’ current processes, forge collaborations with pioneers, or perhaps start pioneering yourself.
Let’s get started.
Impact Hub Amsterdam
We believe collaboration is the key driver behind the sustainability transition. Impact Hub is your relay to a global community of pioneers, innovators, and partners.
Our innovation sourcing team uncovers and analyzes the latest innovations for our clients. We help organizations champion these new technologies, materials and methodologies, enabling them to catalyze industry-wide change.
Our venture support team has supported more than 5,000 impact entrepreneurs, over the last 16 years, in growing their business. Running multiple accelerator programs each year with a variety of partners.
Interested to learn what we can do for your organization or sector? Get in touch via amsterdam@impacthub.net.
Pictured: MUJO
TREND 01
Precision fermentation
Fermentation is revolutionizing food production by leveraging microbial processes to create sustainable and ethical alternatives to traditional animal-based products.
Example: Better Dairy →
Photo: Better Dairy
TREND 01: EXAMPLE
Better Dairy
Better Dairy uses precision fermentation to create real dairy without cows.
(betterdairy.com)
Better Dairy’s microbial strains produce casein, the key milk protein, making cheese that’s indistinguishable from traditional dairy, but lactose-free, hormone-free, and more sustainable. They call it Dairy 2.0.
This method slashes emissions and water use, making dairy production better for the planet, and for our health.
With already over $20M in funding, Better Dairy is proving that fermentation is an emerging trend, shaping the future of delicious, ethical food.
TREND 02
Proteins of the future
Proteins of the future are transforming food production by utilizing regenerative, sustainable sources to meet growing global demand while reducing environmental impact.
Example: NoA Biosciences →
Photo by Timothy Dykes
NoA Bioscience’s method of producing fungal protein is a zero-waste, affordable, scalable and future-proof innovation.
Due to the high availability of the used bio mass, it’s low-cost and allows NoA to efficiently produce without relying on farmland. Leftover materials from the process become bio-fertilizer or insect feed, making the process fully circular.
By unlocking fungal protein from trees, NoA is pioneering a new resilient food system able to feed a growing world.
NoA Biosciences transforms woody biomass into highquality fungal protein, creating a sustainable meat alternative.
(noa-biosciences.com)
Photo by Mae Mu
TREND 03
Diversity domesticationthrough
By reintroducing and cultivating resilient, climate-adaptive crops that enhance biodiversity, agriculture can become more diverse, resilient, and better adapted to changing climate conditions–enhancing food security.
Example: Aardaia →
Photo: Aardaia
The Aardaker is an example of diversity through domestication—Aardaia, led by botanist Pádraic Flood, is reviving this forgotten crop for a more resilient and sustainable food system.
Unlike potatoes, it’s high in protein. It’s versatile in cooking, and offers a nutritious alternative to staple crops.
Additionally, the aardaker is also a farmer’s dream—requiring little input, fixing nitrogen, and improving soil health naturally.
Aardaia
Aardaia is bringing back the Aardaker, once common in Europe, now being reintroduced as a climate-smart crop.
(aardaia.com/aardaker)
TREND 04
Localized value chains
Localized value chains are revolutionizing the food system by reducing intermediaries, lowering emissions, and strengthening regional economies through sustainable sourcing and production.
Example: Voedselstation →
Photo: Roze Bunker
TREND 04: EXAMPLE
Voedselstation
A factory without a boss, fostering collaborations that enable the creation of new food chains that are local, circular and sustainable.
(voedselstation.nl)
Voedselstation is a cooperative that unites food makers, producers, and farmers to transform the food system.
It serves as a hub where local ingredients and food waste are processed into fullfledged products, ensuring that every last resource is utilized. By removing barriers for small, innovative food enterprises, they enable growth and mutual learning.
That's reimagining the food chain, from farmer to consumer.
Pictured: Roze Bunker
Pictured: Voedselstation
TREND 05
Tech in food
Tech isn’t just changing how we grow food — it’s transforming how we think about it. From smart systems that monitor crops to platforms that connect consumers directly to producers, innovation is making the food system more transparent, efficient, and resilient.
Example: Urban Ponics →
Photo by Mary Skrynnikova
TREND 05: EXAMPLE
Urban Ponics
Transforming urban spaces into thriving farms, Urban Ponics’ technology brings agriculture to the city.
(urbanponics.nl)
Urban Ponics is an Ag-tech innovator redefining traditional farming by integrating it into urban environments. Their solutions enable cultivation of nutrient-rich produce even under extreme climate conditions.
By applying principles of reverse engineering and biomimicry, they designs smart, sustainable ecosystems that optimize water, energy, and land use. They focus on nurturing the world, while drastically reducing food waste, and safeguarding scarce resources for future generations.
That's urban agriculture reimagined for a sustainable future.
Pictures: Urban Ponics
TREND 06
Further nutritionalunlocking power
Nutritional innovation through fermentation is unlocking food’s full potential by enhancing digestibility, boosting nutrient absorption, and enriching flavors with natural processes.
Example: Choro Koji →
Photo: Choro Koji Fermentation
TREND 06: EXAMPLE
Choro Koji Fermentation
A traditional, japanese, fermentation method that enhances food’s digestibility and nutrient values.
(chorokojifermentation.nl)
Choro Koji Fermentation, a traditional Japanese fermentation method, breaks down proteins and carbs, making food easier to absorb while supporting digestion.
The method unlocks natural enzymes, amino-acids and probiotics, resulting in deep, nourishing flavors. Rich in vitamins and umami.
And, because it only uses organic, additivefree ingredients, it makes their miso, soy sauce and amazake as wholesome as it is delicious. True pure, plant-based goodness.
Pictured: Choro Koji Fermentation
TREND 07
Social inclusion
Social inclusion in food is transforming communities by creating opportunities for diverse backgrounds to share their culinary heritage while fostering economic empowerment, job creation, cultural appreciation and stronger social connection.
Example: Pangea Food →
Photo: Pangea Food
TREND 07: EXAMPLE
Pangea Food
Pangea Food offers immigrants the chance to professionally cook, integrate into the job market, and develop entrepreneurial skills.
(pangeafood.nl)
Pangea Food brings chefs together from all over the world to prepare authentic recipes that bring global flavors to local tables.
By sharing traditional dishes, Pangea fosters connections between newcomers and locals, promoting cultural exchange and understanding.
Their initiative creates a supportive environment where diverse backgrounds unite over a shared love for food, enhancing social cohesion.
Whether you’re looking to source and leverage groundbreaking innovations, support pioneering entrepreneurs, or become one yourself — we’re here to help you drive the change. Get in touch
Reach out today and let’s explore what’s possible for your organization via: amsterdam@impacthub.net
Or visit our website for more stories and information about our venture support programs: amsterdam.impacthub.net