NEW TECH FOODS

In a move to bolster its cocoa supply chain amid growing challenges, Mars – the manufacturer of global brands such as M&M’s, Snickers and Dove chocolate – has entered into a licensing agreement with agricultural gene-editing firm Pairwise. This partnership aims to leverage advanced CRISPR technology – a gene-editing tool that allows scientists to precisely alter DNA sequences in living cells and organisms – to develop more resilient cocoa plants, addressing the pressing issues of climate variability, plant diseases and environmental stresses affecting cocoa production. The collaboration grants Mars access to Pairwise's proprietary gene-editing tools and trait libraries, enabling the company to modify the DNA sequences of cocoa plants. This approach is expected to accelerate the development of cocoa varieties that can withstand adverse conditions, a critical need as supplies from major producers like Ivory Coast and Ghana have dwindled due to unfavourable weather patterns and persistent diseases such as swollen shoot disease. The resultant supply constraints have driven cocoa prices to record highs, creating urgency within the chocolate manufacturing sector. This initiative follows Mars's previous commitment in 2018 to invest $1 billion over a decade to support the cocoa supply chain, including funding research at the University of California, Berkeley, to develop disease-resistant cocoa trees using CRISPR technology. The new agreement with Pairwise represents a continuation of Mars's proactive stance in ensuring a stable cocoa supply, which is crucial for maintaining its product offerings in the competitive confectionery market. Pairwise CEO Tom Adams noted that traditional breeding methods for improving plant traits can take decades and often yield unpredictable results due to the mixing of numerous genes. In contrast, CRISPR technology allows for precise modifications, significantly increasing the likelihood of achieving desired traits in a shorter timeframe. This efficiency is particularly valuable for cocoa plants, which typically require three to five years to mature and begin producing. As Mars advances its gene-editing initiatives, the regulatory landscape surrounding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) remains complex. The European Union is currently deliberating guidelines for gene-edited crops, which are largely unregulated in the bloc, while Switzerland is also considering legislative changes to facilitate the commercialisation of gene-edited products.

Australian cultivated meat company Magic Valley has announced a strategic partnership with US-based deep tech company Pythag Tech to support its scale-up using AI-powered bioprocess optimisation. By embedding Pythag Tech’s advanced machine learning platform into its operations, Magic Valley aims to reduce production costs, enhance process efficiencies and accelerate its path to commercial scale – bringing cultivated meat closer to widespread availability. Pythag Tech’s platform addresses key bottlenecks in cultivated meat production by aggregating real-time bioprocess data to train models that continuously refine system performance. Core capabilities include optimising media formulations through predictive machine learning, reducing cost per kg by maximising productivity per litre of media, assisting with scale-up across different reactor sizes and learning from every run to improve over time. The partnership is expected to increase capital efficiency by reducing waste and manual experimentation, shorten R&D timelines, build robust and auditable data infrastructure for regulatory confidence and improve sustainability by reducing energy, media and resource usage. Top image: © Magic Valley

BioConsortia has raised $15 million from existing investors led by Otter Capital and affiliated funds, bringing total investment in the company to $95 million. The funding will support the global rollout of Always-N, the company’s nitrogen-fixing seed treatment for industrial corn, and expand its research and development operations in Davis, California. Always-N is designed to reduce reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertilisers while maintaining crop yields. Applied as a seed treatment, it combines gene-editing technology with extended shelf life of more than two years. According to BioConsortia, the product has shown consistent field performance and can lower greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil health. The product was first commercialised in New Zealand in 2024 and is now preparing for wider market entry through partnerships including The Mosaic Company in the Americas. The new investment will be used to scale manufacturing, build inventory and expand market access ahead of the next growing season. Marcus Meadows-Smith, BioConsortia’s CEO, said: “This investment, one in a series of recurring financings from our internal investors, reflects their deep confidence in BioConsortia’s science, strategy and commercial momentum. Their investments total $95 million and bring BioConsortia to this exciting moment in the company’s history.” He added: "Synthetic nitrogen fertilizers are essential to modern agriculture, but their overuse comes at a steep environmental cost. With Always-N, we offer a powerful, sustainable alternative – backed by cutting-edge science and built for real-world performance.”

Plant protein ingredient specialist Burcon NutraScience has announced the first commercial production – and official launch – of its high-purity fava protein isolate, FavaPro. Amid rising demand for healthy and sustainable protein ingredients, the company has developed a proprietary process to extract and purify protein from fava beans. It has now achieved the first production run of its ingredient on a commercial scale at its Galesburg manufacturing site in Illinois, US. Fava beans, also known as broad beans, are nutrient-rich legumes known for their high protein and fibre content. Like yellow peas, they are nitrogen-fixing crops that improve soil health and reduce the need for synthetic fertilisers. These environmental and nutritional benefits are making fava an increasingly popular plant protein source for manufacturers and product developers. FavaPro provides over 90% protein content and is naturally non-GMO and hypoallergenic. It features a neutral flavour profile and an off-white colour, enabling seamless integration into a wide range of food and beverage applications including dairy alternatives, functional beverages, snacks and baked goods. Kip Underwood, Burcon’s chief executive officer, said: “The commercial launch of FavaPro marks an important milestone in Burcon’s growth strategy and demonstrates our ability to efficiently scale and diversify production at the Galesburg facility”. “FavaPro was one of the most sought-after plant proteins at the recent IFT FIRST tradeshow. By adding this premium ingredient to our portfolio, we are meeting accelerating demand, enhancing Burcon’s position as an innovation leader in the rapidly growing plant protein market.”

Accelerate the time to market for your novel food ingredients and products with trusted human safety testing. Consumers worldwide are seeking healthier and more sustainable food options in response to rising health concerns like obesity, diabetes and chronic disease. With this shift comes a greater demand for sugar reduction, clean-label ingredients and functional foods that support long-term wellness. To meet these growing expectations, food and ingredient manufacturers are embracing innovation, while upholding the highest standards of safety, quality and regulatory compliance. Finding the right lab, with a strong reputation to support and meet the regulatory requirements to get to market efficiently, has never been more critical. These challenges require an experienced scientific and regulatory partner. Labcorp partners with global developers and manufacturers to help bring novel food products to market by offering quality and comprehensive human safety testing of all tiers within physical chemistry, metabolism and toxicology. With deep scientific know-how and a global regulatory perspective, we support food innovation that’s grounded in safety, efficiency and consumer trust.  Science that powers smarter, safer ingredients  At Labcorp, our mission is to improve health and improve lives. In the novel food space, that means helping you turn new ingredients or methods and technologies into safe, science-backed products that promote better nutrition and public health. Whether you're developing a new novel sweetener, flavour enhancer, plant-based protein, enzyme or fermented compound, Labcorp provides the scientific and regulatory support to guide your product from it’s earliest stages of development through regulatory submissions. Comprehensive support for novel food development  Labcorp offers testing solutions tailored to the unique challenges of novel food innovation, from early-stage ingredient characterisation to global regulatory strategy optimization. Our full suite of services includes:  Toxicology testing Evaluate safety and tolerability with in vitro and in vivo studies, including genotoxicity, subchronic toxicity, and reproductive/developmental toxicity. Metabolism testing   Analyse the safety of your ingredient and product with in vitro and in vivo ADME studies like digestibility and toxicokinetics.  Analytical chemistry and bioanalysis   Characterise ingredients, assess stability and quantify bioavailability with advanced analytical methods.  Regulatory required in vivo and in vitro  models and New Approach Methods (NAMs) options Leverage models that simulate human digestion, absorption and metabolism to support claims of safety and utilise in vitro alternatives where possible to gain strong data and insights.  Tailored study design   Optimise studies that align with your product’s intended use, target population and regulatory requirements.  End-to-end programme management   From early development through regulatory submission, our integrated teams help streamline timelines and reduce risk. Regulatory consulting support services Leverage our regulatory support services for FDA GRAS-mandated scientific work, including peer-reviewed journal or publication preparation, privacy compliance with redactions, manuscript support and more. Find out more about human safety testing requirements to gain regulatory approvals for your novel food, food additive or food improvement agent by visiting us here .

AeroFarms, a vertical farming company and microgreens supplier in the US retail market, has announced major financial moves to strengthen its operations and support future expansion. The company has successfully refinanced its existing debt and raised equity financing to support pre-construction activities for a new farm in Danville, Virginia. “Our vision is to provide local food production of nutritious microgreens to regions around the world, while preserving natural resources,” said Molly Montgomery, executive chair and CEO of AeroFarms. “We have recently demonstrated that vertical farming can indeed be sustainable, profitable and produce fresh greens at scale." She continued: "I would like to extend my gratitude to our financial partners who believe in our vision and have provided financinfing to support our operation in Danville and commencement of pre-construction activities for expansion to a second farm”. The equity financing was led by multiple existing investors, including Grosvenor Food & AgTech (GFA), Ingka Investments, Cibus Capital and ACEG. GFA’s managing partner, Stephan Dolezalek, added: “We believe AeroFarms can play a significant role in the global fresh food supply chain, by providing nutritious greens at scale to local regions around the world. AeroFarms has now proven the ability to deliver the transformative benefits of vertical farming through a viable, profitable business." "To support these efforts, GFA, along with our investing partners, committed funding to support existing operations and enable the company to embark on its next phase of growth.” To enhance its financial stability, AeroFarms secured an asset-based loan from Siguler Guff, which enabled the company to fully pay off a previous debt facility from Horizon Technology Finance. The new loan, closed in May 2025, not only offers a more favourable interest rate but also provides interest-only terms and a carve-out for eligible equipment financing. Waterside Commercial Finance played a crucial role as the exclusive USDA finance advisor, utilising its Bridge-to-USDA Program to facilitate the transaction. This strategic partnership is expected to bridge AeroFarms until a permanent USDA-guaranteed loan is finalised later this year. AeroFarms has positioned itself as a frontrunner in sustainable agriculture, commanding over 70% of the U.S. retail market for microgreens. The company employs innovative technologies, including patented aeroponics, automated systems and AI, to cultivate greens that require significantly less land and water than traditional farming methods. With a commitment to renewable energy, AeroFarms is capable of growing crops year-round, independent of geographic and climatic constraints. As a Certified B Corp, AeroFarms is dedicated to maintaining high standards of social and environmental performance, further solidifying its role as a key player in the food industry.

Cell-based dairy start-up Opalia has announced its first commercial sale, signing a strategic agreement with global dairy supplier Hoogwegt to bring the world’s first cell-based milk products to market. The two-year deal marks a major milestone for Opalia as it prepares to scale up and commercialise its proprietary dairy platform. The agreement represents the first-ever sale of cell-based dairy and a step forward for the broader cellular agriculture industry, which has yet to achieve commercial traction at scale. Under the terms of the agreement, Opalia’s milk – developed without cows through cellular cultivation – will be used to create new dairy products showcasing the technology’s versatility. Hoogwegt, one of the world’s largest privately held dairy ingredient companies, will leverage its global reach across more than 130 countries to support the rollout. Founded in 2020, Opalia has raised a total of $3 million from investors including Hoogwegt, Big Idea Ventures and Sustainable Food Ventures. The company has also attracted letters of intent from several major food and dairy players, and says it is progressing toward cost parity by eliminating foetal bovine serum (FBS) from its production process – a key challenge in scaling cell-based dairy. Opalia’s CEO, Jennifer Côté, said: "Hoogwegt’s purchase order to support Opalia’s development of the world’s first cell-based dairy development reflects their trust and commitment in our pioneering technology. Hoogwegt’s proven expertise in dairy product development and global dairy markets, as well as their commitment to sustainability, aligns perfectly with our strategic goals, and we are confident that this purchase order will allow us to commercialize the world’s first cell-based dairy products.” Sander Hulsebos, CEO of Hoogwegt, commented: "After already having invested in Opalia, this commercial purchase agreement between Opalia and Hoogwegt is a next major step towards establishing Opalia as a strategic supplier of cell-based milk in Hoogwegt’s future sustainable dairy supply chain". Opalia is currently working with regulators to begin showcasing its milk at tasting events and is actively seeking commercial partners and investors interested in decarbonising their supply chains. Top image: © Opalia

Chicago-based start-up Clever Carnivore has taken its cultivated pork products to the West Coast for the first time, hosting private tastings in Palo Alto and San Francisco. The events brought together investors, chefs and food industry stakeholders to sample the company’s cultivated bratwursts. The prototype bratwursts featured a hybrid formulation containing 10% cultivated pork cells, combined with plant-based ingredients. This approach – common in the cultivated meat space – helps reduce costs and improve scalability while maintaining flavour and texture. © LinkedIn "Everyone was impressed by the delicious product, but even more so by our low production costs and scalable, modular process," said Clever Carnivore in a LinkedIn post. "With ultra-high-growth cells and negligible-cost media, we're showing that cultivated meat can be made at scale and produced profitably."

Biokraft Foods will host the grand finale of India’s first cultivated chicken cooking competition on 22 August 2025 at DY Patil University, Navi Mumbai. The event, dubbed The Great Indian Cultivated Chicken Cook-Off, will see ten student chefs from leading hospitality institutes compete using Biokraft’s cultivated chicken as the main ingredient. Organised in partnership with the Western India Culinary Association (WICA), the competition aims to promote sustainable food innovation and technical culinary skills. Winners will receive cash prizes and a visit to the Merck Life Science facility in Bangalore. The competition aims to spotlight cultivated meat’s role in India’s evolving food landscape and provide a platform for emerging culinary talent. Kamalnayan Tibrewal, founder of Biokraft Foods, said: “It is a step toward a better food system and an exciting opportunity for young chefs to work with next-gen ingredients. As the food industry faces shifting consumer expectations and the need for innovation and sustainability on every plate, cultivated chicken meat offers a chance to rethink what is possible." "This competition is about preparing the next generation of chefs to engage with new ingredients, understand the science and stay ahead of what diners will be asking for in the near future.”

HelloFresh is investing $70 million in a major overhaul of its meal kit offerings, aiming to harness AI to drive customer retention and boost in-home dining, according to a report by Bloomberg . The Berlin-based meal kit company will use the funds to more than double its weekly recipe selection in the US, its largest market, expanding from 45 meals to over 100. The investment will also enhance the variety of premium ingredients such as grass-fed rib-eye steaks, triple the seafood options (at no extra cost) and increase portion sizes, responding directly to consumer demand for more variety and value amid rising food prices. HelloFresh's group president, Assaf Ronen, told Bloomberg the move is designed to strengthen brand loyalty and attract customers who are dining out less due to inflation. “$70 million is a very large check,” Ronen said. “The more we invest in customers, the more they stay with us.” Ronen confirmed that AI technology will be central to the refresh, helping customers navigate expanded menus by providing personalised meal suggestions based on their preferences and cooking habits. “What’s at the top of your list will be more relevant for you,” he said, likening the experience to Netflix-style recommendations. The new offerings – set to launch in September – will include dishes like seared salmon with couscous and lemon yogurt, and eggplant caponata pitas with mozzarella. Subscription costs will vary depending on location and order size, ranging from about $60 for two meals a week for two people, up to $370 for six recipes serving six people. Per-serving costs are expected to remain around $10-$11.50, with upcharges for premium options like multi-course meals. HelloFresh said the upgrades will also extend to its global logistics, with AI-driven robotics being installed in distribution centres to speed up order packing. While no workforce reductions are planned, Ronen acknowledged that automation will help manage future demand. “It’s about not needing to grow employees three times,” he said. The company plans to expand the AI-enhanced offering to international markets at a later stage.

Atlantic Fish Co has received a $305,000 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to advance its work in cultivated seafood. The funding will support the company’s efforts to develop scalable production methods for cultivated black sea bass, aiming to replicate the taste, texture and nutrition of wild-caught fillets using cellular agriculture. This latest award brings Atlantic Fish's total non-dilutive funding to more than $700,000. The company previously secured SBIR funding from the US Department of Agriculture. “This NSF award is more than just capital – it's validation from rigorous scientific reviewers,” said Doug Grant, co-founder and CEO of Atlantic Fish. “It represents the culmination of over a year of foundational R&D and proposal development.”

Singapore-based water treatment company Hydroleap has raised $4.75 million in new funding to expand its sustainable water treatment solutions across the Asia-Pacific region, with a focus on hyperscale data centres and other resource-intensive industries. The round included investments from EDBI – the investment arm of the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) under SG Growth Capital – Enterprise Singapore, Antares Ventures and construction firm Woh Hup. This brings Hydroleap’s total funding to nearly $12 million. Hydroleap’s technology is already being deployed in sectors such as agrifood, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, where efficient water and energy management are increasingly critical. The firm aims to serve growing demand from data centres and other infrastructure in Asia as industries face rising pressure to reduce environmental impact. The company said the funds will support its growth in key markets and advance its electrochemical water treatment technologies, which help industrial clients reduce chemical use, cut energy consumption by up to 10%, and recycle wastewater. Michael Gryseels, founder and managing partner of Antares Ventures, said: "Hydroleap delivers what industries across Asia Growth Markets increasingly need: efficient, scalable water treatment that's both commercially viable and sustainable. As demand grows across sectors like AI, semiconductors and sustainable agrifood systems, their solution helps cities and infrastructures reduce resource use without compromising performance." "AI isn't just about chips and software. It drives up needs for efficient energy and water-cooling management, and Hydroleap tackles that challenge head-on. Through our deep connectivity in the region, Hydroleap has been able to access critical industries in Asia and turn innovation into real-world results. We're proud to continue standing with them as long-term partners, alongside leading institutional investors committed to Asia's sustainable future."