- Sep 5, 2024
- 2 min read
Mondelēz International has selected ten start-ups for its second CoLab Tech accelerator programme, aimed at fostering innovative technologies within the fast-evolving snack food sector.
This initiative is part of Mondelēz's broader strategy to enhance its product offerings and sustainability efforts as consumer preferences shift towards mindful snacking.
The selected companies were chosen from nearly 100 applicants based on their potential to advance technologies that address sustainability, health, and consumer trends in snacking.
The eight-week programme will provide participants access to Mondelēz's extensive resources, mentorship, and expertise, facilitating the scaling of their innovations.
Ian Noble, vice president for global ingredient research & development at Mondelēz, said: “The CoLab Tech programme is integral to our Vision 2030 growth agenda by collaborating with these start-ups, we aim to integrate disruptive technologies across our value chain, ensuring we remain at the forefront of the snacking industry.”
This year’s cohort
🍞Bread Free (Spain): Innovates gluten-free baked goods by neutralising gluten in wheat flour to replicate mainstream textures.
🍭Enginzyme (Sweden): Develops enzyme-enabled processes for sustainable production of prebiotic sugars, aiming to reduce overall sugar content.
♻️Enjay (Sweden): Pioneers a system for recovering and recycling waste heat from manufacturing, contributing to lower CO2 emissions.
🧑🍳hs-tumbler GmbH (Germany): Offers a new industrial mixer that enhances efficiency in ingredient blending.
🍫Kokomondo (Israel): Uses cell-cultured technology to produce climate-resilient cocoa, addressing supply chain vulnerabilities.
⚡Luminescent (Israel): Focuses on thermodynamic cycles to improve energy efficiency in heat-to-electricity conversion.
📦Outlander Materials (Netherlands): Upcycles food industry waste into compostable packaging, reducing reliance on single-use plastics.
🛢️Savor (US): Produces fats and oils using significantly less energy than traditional methods, aiming for net-zero emissions.
🌱Tasteomics (Switzerland): Develops a plant-based product that enhances flavour profiles while reducing MSG and calories.
🧃Yangi (Sweden): Innovates sustainable packaging through a process that reduces carbon emissions significantly compared to conventional methods.
The CoLab Tech programme promotes hands-on experiences, virtual sessions and mentorship, leveraging Mondelēz's global network to help these start-ups refine their technologies for potential integration into the company’s operations.
As the demand for snacks continues to rise – evidenced by Mondelēz’s 2024 State of Snacking Report, which indicates that 60% of consumers now prefer snacks over traditional meals – such innovations are crucial for maintaining competitive advantage in the food and beverage sector.
Mondelēz International, with 2023 net revenues of approximately $36 billion, remains committed to leading the future of snacking through strategic partnerships and technological advancements.
The company's portfolio includes well-known brands such as Oreo, Cadbury, and Ritz, positioning it as a key player in the global snack market.
