Green food innovation in focus: New project supports startups towards sustainable growth

This post is also available in: Danish

Samhandel Innovate will create a platform where new companies can access valuable sparring, increased visibility and networking opportunities. Through the collaboration with Samhandel, startups get the opportunity to engage with potential customers and achieve a stronger market position. The program offers a structured growth model to help startups navigate the foodservice industry and achieve sustainable growth.

Read also: Healthy snack of the future: “We are looking for groundbreaking and innovative solutions” – TechSavvy

To participate in Samhandel Innovate, startups must meet specific criteria that ensure they are at the right stage of development and have the potential to create value for both themselves and Samhandel members. Among other things, the companies must have an existing turnover and ambitions for nationwide growth within 1-2 years. The platform focuses particularly on green and sustainable solutions, which supports a growing market for environmentally friendly alternatives.

Green innovation and strategic growth

Participation in Samhandel Innovate requires companies to deliver to at least one region in Denmark and work towards a nationwide growth strategy. The program includes quarterly follow-up meetings where startups’ progress is evaluated and support is provided to overcome challenges and strengthen their market position. This structured approach gives entrepreneurs a solid foundation to establish themselves as stable players in the competitive food industry.

“As Denmark’s food cluster, we have a responsibility to ensure that the innovative products that are developed also find their way to consumers. Foodservice is an obvious start for food entrepreneurs, as it provides the opportunity to build sales and production efficiently,” says Claus Mortensen from Food & Bio Cluster Denmark on the cluster’s website.

A benefit for all parties

The initiative is not only beneficial for startups, but also for Samhandel members who get early access to new and innovative products.

Read also: Danish AI success secures million-dollar investment: Hyperlocal weather forecasts go global – TechSavvy

“With Samhandel Innovate, we want to ensure that our members have access to the latest and most sustainable food products from promising startups,” says Torben Serritslev, CEO of Samhandel.

With the launch of Samhandel Innovate, the parties want to promote collaboration and innovation in the foodservice sector. The program will start in February 2025 and the application deadline is 13 December 2024. An online information meeting will be held on 19 November for interested companies.