NEW TECH FOODS

Swiss food innovation company FoodYoung Labs has acquired California-based MeliBio, the start-up behind what is claimed to be the world’s first plant-based honey, Mellody.

The strategic asset acquisition includes MeliBio’s brand, first-generation technology and intellectual property, as FoodYoung Labs aims to strengthen its position in sustainable and science-driven food innovation.

MeliBio launched Mellody using proprietary plant-based technology as an alternative to conventional honey, removing the need for honeybee involvement and addressing sustainability concerns in the apiculture industry. The product gained early recognition through its debut at Eleven Madison Park, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant, and has since expanded into mainstream retail, including Aldi.

FoodYoung Labs, which operates a full-stack innovation centre in Balerna, Switzerland, develops snacks, baked goods, spreads and frozen products with an emphasis on clean ingredients and transparent sourcing. Its house brands include ZAZ, Kakoo, Bonnap, FRŸZE, Mani and CimaNorma, serving markets in both Europe and the US.

The acquisition will allow FoodYoung Labs to accelerate the development of bee-free honey and expand the Mellody brand across its portfolio. Both companies said the partnership reflects growing demand for sustainable and scalable food solutions.

Abouzar Rahmani, founder and CEO of FoodYoung Labs, said: “At FoodYoung, the future of food is about blending culinary art with science and ethical sourcing. With our Swiss full-stack innovation lab and US commercial powerhouse, we’re taking MeliBio’s bee-free innovation to the next level – making Mellody truly clean-label and unrefined. The new generation of food must taste amazing, look great, and be uncompromisingly good for people and the planet. That’s the high standard we’re setting.”

Darko Mandich, co-founder and CEO of MeliBio, commented: “Established food companies are essential to advancing foodtech innovation, and MeliBio is excited to leverage the next chapter with FoodYoung Labs to create a meaningful, lasting impact in the industry".

Aaron Schaller, co-founder and CTO of MeliBio, added: "We look forward to the evolution of MeliBio's technology under FoodYoung Labs, which is uniquely poised to take the innovations behind Mellody forward through their proven expertise, ability to scale and success in the market".

Top image: © MeliBio