Frutarom has inaugurated a new food innovation lab in Israel, which will help Israeli food-tech and ingredients start-ups develop innovative, all-natural ingredients.
Called FoodNxt, the innovation lab will help selected start-ups develop and market innovative new products, build business plans, conduct market research and formulate products which comply with international regulations.
Frutarom claims that it is looking for food, nutraceutical, and functional ingredient start-ups which will create products for the health and wellness sectors.
Start-ups which are selected by Frutarom will be granted up to 85% of their R&D budget by Frutarom, up to $300,000, to reach a viable concept.
The lab will be led by Frutarom’s innovation director Gali Artzi, PhD. Artzi has held various commercial positions in the food and beverage industry since 2010, notably at VAYA Pharma and Enzymotec.
Yoni Glickman, president of Frutarom Natural Solutions said: “Israel being a ‘start-up nation’ is not just a cliché.
“Start-ups have become the growth engine of the food industry, and Frutarom, through FoodNxt, is working to accelerate this innovation—by providing know-how, processes, technologies, and expertise to help overcome challenges, nurture development, and launch new products into the global market.”
“Strategically, we seek real innovation in every aspect of Frutarom activities. In the past few years, we have collaborated with innovative startups and companies to identify novel ingredients and technologies.
“For example, developing the ‘NutraT’ a line of ready-to-use soluble powder formulas that dissolve easily in water, soft drinks and dairy products, or Frutaceuticals, a nutraceutical line that incorporates functional botanicals into real fruit pieces, developed with Taura URC Technology, and many others.”
Frutarom was selected by the Israel Innovation Authority to operate the laboratory for three years.
Anya Eldan, vice-president of the start-up division at the Israel Innovation Authority added: “Innovation is one of our key drivers to success in making better-for-you products based on our expertise in taste and health.
“The innovation labs program launched recently by the Israel Innovation Authority enables seasoned and experienced corporations such as Frutarom to provide start-ups with the required platform to grow and establish their businesses with the right global market focus.
“Moreover, such program enables the promotion of innovative ideas and technologies as part of a growing food-related ecosystem in Israel.”
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024