Guest Posts

Stefania Stoccuto

© Stefania Stoccuto

Revolutionizing Alternative Proteins: An End-to-End Approach from Farm to Future Food

Stefania Stoccuto oversees the Global Business Development activities related to Future Food at Siemens. She is responsible for the growth and acceleration of Siemens’ solutions portfolio in the Controlled Environment Agriculture & Alternative Proteins market, by fostering collaborations and developing an ecosystem for leveraging new opportunities. In this guest post, Stefania discusses how a holistic, end-to-end approach is addressing key challenges in the alternative protein industry, from improving production efficiency to ensuring sustainability. As consumers increasingly demand more sustainable and ethical food choices, alternative proteins derived from sources like microalgae, mycelium, and cell-based cultures are rapidly gaining attention. To support this transformation, innovative technologies are being deployed to make protein production more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. A key player driving this change is leveraging …

more

Organisations and brands:

american flag wiht whole foods

Image supplied.

Make America Healthy Again (MAHA): A Signal to Invest in Food Innovation

Elysabeth Alfano is the CEO of VegTech™ Invest, an Advisor to a food innovation ETF. She is a consultant to multi-national companies focused on sustainability and an Advisor to C-Suite interested in understanding the growth and whitespaces in the food industry. She is also the host of the podcast, The Plantbased Business Hour on iTunes and vegconomist. In this article, Elysabeth discusses the growing investment opportunities in food innovation in the United States, driven by rising healthcare costs, shifting consumer preferences, and technological advances. Make America Healthy Again (MAHA): A Signal to Invest in Food Innovation By Elysabeth Alfano The momentum to “Make America Healthy Again” is more than just a slogan—it’s a powerful signal for investors to recognize the growing opportunities in food innovation. With rising healthcare costs, …

more

tariffs

Image supplied.

Tariffs: A Food Innovation Investment Opportunity

Elysabeth Alfano is the CEO of Vegtech™ Invest and an advisor to a food innovation ETF. She is a consultant to multi-national companies focused on sustainability and an advisor to C-Suite interested in understanding the growth of whitespaces in the food industry. She is also the host of the podcast, The Plantbased Business Hour on iTunes and vegconomist. In this guest post, Elysabeth discusses how food tariffs, often seen as economic hurdles, can instead act as powerful catalysts for food innovation, driving investment in local production, AgTech, and alternative proteins. Tariffs: A Food Innovation Investment Opportunity By Elysabeth Alfano Tariffs on food are often viewed as a burden, raising prices for consumers and straining international trade relationships. However, for investors, these trade barriers can create …

more

Organisations and brands:

fruit and veggie basket

Image supplied.

In the Wake of MAHA, Is 2025 the Year to Finance Food Fast?

Elysabeth Alfano is the CEO of VegTech™ Invest, an Advisor to a food innovation ETF. She is a consultant to multi-national companies focused on sustainability and an Advisor to C-Suite interested in understanding the growth and whitespaces in the food industry. She is also the host of the podcast, The Plantbased Business Hour on iTunes and vegconomist. In a recent Upside & Impact: Investing for Change podcast episode, Elysabeth Alfano explored the urgency of food system transformation with Ertharin Cousin, CEO of Food Systems for the Future and former Executive Director of the World Food Programme. The discussion highlighted the need for smart capital, policy alignment, and a patient investment approach in the wake of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative. In the Wake of MAHA, Is 2025 …

more

farm

Image supplied.

What Do We Really Know About American Farmers? A Financial Perspective on Agriculture’s Future

Elysabeth Alfano is the CEO of VegTech™ Invest, an Advisor to a food innovation ETF. She is a consultant to multi-national companies focused on sustainability and an Advisor to C-Suite interested in understanding the growth and whitespaces in the food industry. She is also the host of the podcasts The Plantbased Business Hour and Upside & Impact: Investing for Change. In a recent episode of the Upside & Impact: Investing for Change podcast, former Deputy Under Secretary for the USDA, Sanah Baig, provided an in-depth look at the current state of American farming and the economic realities shaping its future. As impact investors, we at VegTech Invest see both challenges and opportunities in this evolving agricultural landscape, particularly as it relates to sustainability, food security, and the role of innovation …

more

eggs

Image supplied.

Why Are Egg Prices Skyrocketing: Again?

Elysabeth Alfano is the CEO of VegTech™ Invest, an Advisor to a food innovation ETF. She is a consultant to multi-national companies focused on sustainability and an Advisor to C-Suite interested in understanding the growth and whitespaces in the food industry. She is also the host of the podcast, The Plantbased Business Hour on iTunes and vegconomist. In this guest post, Elysabeth Alfano discusses the factors driving the rise in egg prices, focusing on the impact of disease outbreaks and the inefficiencies in the global food supply system, along with the need for innovation to lower costs, improve access, and reduce health risks. Why Are Egg Prices Skyrocketing: Again? We have all been feeling the pressure of rising egg prices. Why are egg prices up so much…again? The answer …

more

Natural Products Expo West

© Natural Products Expo West

Guest Post: The Future of Plant-Based Innovation at Expo West 2025

With nearly two decades of experience in marketing and brand-building, Nils Knoop has worked with global brands like Nike, Ben & Jerry’s, and Seventh Generation, specializing in impact storytelling and sustainability-driven campaigns. As co-founder of Apollonia and an advisor for HEYHO, he brings deep expertise in ethical branding and social impact. In this guest feature for vegconomist, Nils shares key insights from Natural Products Expo West 2025, where the focus extended beyond plant-based to purpose-driven innovation. From regenerative organic pioneers like SIMPLi to the rise of mycelium-based proteins and functional snacking, this year’s expo highlighted a shift toward sustainability, transparency, and health-conscious food solutions. Natural Products Expo West 2025: A Glimpse into the Future of Plant-Based Innovation Every year, Natural Products Expo West sets the …

more

Organisations and brands:

vegtech invest

Image supplied.

Financing Food Fast: Blended Capital and the Race to 2030

CEO of VegTech™ Invest, Elysabeth Alfano, speaks with Caitlin Maclean, senior director of Innovative Finance at the Milken Institute and Holly Freishtat, senior director at Feeding Change. The investment landscape is undergoing a transformation as institutional and philanthropic investors increasingly turn their attention to food systems. Historically overshadowed by sectors like renewable energy and technology, food systems are now being recognized as both a major contributor to climate change and a critical area for financial growth. As discussed in the latest episode of Upside & Impact: Investing for Change, hosted by Elysabeth Alfano, CEO of VegTech Invest, the food industry is not only an essential component of human health and food security but also a significant factor in global economic resilience and sustainability. Food systems as …

more

Organisations and brands:

Felix Ockert © Siemens

Guest Post: The Need for Efficient and Sustainable Production Methods in Plant-Based Food Manufacturing

Felix Ockert is the New Food Account Manager at Siemens, responsible for the German market. With 10 years of experience in food production machinery and as a trained food technologist and brewer, he brings extensive industry expertise. In his role at Siemens, Felix advises and supports customers from the food industry in optimizing their production facilities and processes using state-of-the-art automation and digitalization solutions. His deep understanding of industry requirements and his many years of experience help him develop customized solutions that significantly improve productivity, quality and sustainability in food production. In this guest contribution, he discusses the significance of a digital process twin in food processes with the aim of improving efficiency and product quality. The Need for Efficient and Sustainable Production Methods in …

more

Organisations and brands:

vegan nuggets ingredion

© Ingredion

Guest Post: The Dawn of the Plant Protein Age and What Happens Next

In the future, 2024 could be seen as the year when plant proteins became a staple. With a new breed of plant-based, protein-rich foods reaching a wider range of consumers, there is more plant protein being produced than ever before. In this article, Matthieu Bertoux, Marketing Director EMEA, Ingredion, discusses this trend over the last 12 months and looks forward to 2025, and what the key trends are likely to be. The year of the plant The global market for plant-based protein is estimated to be worth US$ 14.3bn in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% to reach US$ 20.5bn in 2029. The key drivers for this growth can be seen in society, and within the food industry itself. In …

more

Organisations and brands:

food investing

Image supplied.

Top Three Reasons Investing in Food Innovation Will Take Center Stage Before 2030

Elysabeth Alfano is the CEO of VegTech™ Invest, an Advisor to a food innovation ETF. She is a consultant to multi-national companies focused on sustainability and an Advisor to C-Suite interested in understanding the growth and whitespaces in the food industry. She is also the host of the podcast, The Plantbased Business Hour on iTunes and vegconomist. In this guest post, Elysabeth Alfano discusses why investing in food innovation will take center stage before 2030. She explores the inefficiencies and externalized costs of the current global food system, the role of alternative proteins in addressing these challenges, and the growing investment opportunities within the sector. Top Three Reasons Investing in Food Innovation Will Take Center Stage Before 2030 Why would the food system ever change?  …

more

Organisations and brands:

kati hope

Image supplied.

Guest Post: Securing Plant-Based Food Production, A Holistic Approach to Contamination Prevention

Kati Hope is the global key account manager at Mettler-Toledo product inspection, where she plays a pivotal role in strengthening relationships with key clients worldwide. With over two decades of experience in international sales channel development and seven years specializing in product inspection, she has a proven track record of driving strategic growth and enhancing food safety standards. In this guest post, she discusses the critical importance of foreign body detection in plant-based food manufacturing, exploring the challenges, technologies, and strategies needed to maintain product integrity and consumer trust in a rapidly expanding market. Securing Plant-Based Food Production, A Holistic Approach to Contamination Prevention Plant-based food – the trend that shows no signs of slowing. Like it or loath it with a passion, the fact …

more

US department of defense

© mehaniq41 - stock.adobe.com

Department of Defense Invests Heavily in Food Innovation: Why?

Elysabeth Alfano is the CEO of VegTech™ Invest, an advisor to a food innovation ET, and a consultant to C-Suite of multinational companies. She speaks internationally on the intersection of investing, sustainability, and food systems transformation and is also the host of the podcast, Upside & Impact: Investing for Change. In this article, which originally ran on Advisorpedia.com, Elysabeth Alfano explores the US Department of Defense’s significant investment in food innovation through the Distributed Bioindustrial Manufacturing Program (DBIMP). She examines how food security, supply chain resilience, environmental impact, and public health concerns drive this initiative, positioning food system transformation as both a national security priority and a major investment opportunity. Department of Defense Invests Heavily in Food Innovation: Why? The US Department of Defense is investing heavily …

more

Organisations and brands:

US food system

How the New US Administration Will Impact Food Systems Transformation

Elysabeth Alfano is the CEO of VegTech™ Invest, an advisor to a food innovation ET, and a consultant to C-Suite of multinational companies. She speaks internationally on the intersection of investing, sustainability, and food systems transformation and is also the host of the podcast, Upside & Impact: Investing for Change. This article, co-written by the fractional associate director of coms & research at VegTech™ Invest, Gwendolyn Brown, explores how the new US administration may influence food systems transformation, addressing bipartisan issues like food insecurity, climate change, and the role of food innovation in national security and global competition. How the New US Administration Will Impact Food Systems Transformation Of late, I have been getting this question a lot: “How will the Trump Administration impact US …

more

Headshot of Illtud Dunsford from Cellular Agriculture Ltd

Illtud Dunsford © Cellular Agriculture Ltd

Guest Post: Making Cultivated Meat Scalable and Sustainable with New Bioprocess Technology

The global food system is at a pivotal juncture, with growing populations, environmental pressures, and rising demand for sustainable, ethical protein sources converging to create both challenges and opportunities. Cultivated meat, a promising innovation, allows the production of real animal protein without the environmental burden. However, scaling cultivated meat to commercial viability while ensuring food safety and reducing environmental impact remains a key industry challenge. In the following guest post, Illtud Dunsford, CEO and Co-Founder of Cellular Agriculture Ltd, delves deeper into these complexities, exploring the advancements, hurdles, and future prospects of cultivated meat as a transformative solution within the global food landscape. Cellular Agriculture Ltd, in partnership with Campden BRI, has launched a ground-breaking Innovate UK-funded project to address these issues. The aim is …

more

Ingredion plant-based cheeseburger

© Ingredion

Guest Post: Veganuary 2025 Heralds the Year of Clean Label in Plant-Based

Veganuary began in 2013 and has today evolved into a highly influential global movement, transforming how millions approach their diet each January and beyond. In this article, Matthieu Bertoux, Marketing Director EMEA, Ingredion, looks at the manufacturing and consumer trends that are making plant-based eating more accessible than ever before. Veganuary was conceived around a kitchen table in York, UK, and last year, 25 million people worldwide participated in the initiative [1]. Whether or not 2025 sees a consecutive annual increase in the number of people getting involved, Veganuary has been part of a seismic shift in the eating habits of European consumers. Interestingly, the number of people practicing strict plant-based diets has not exploded. Instead, people who have been inspired to try plant-based foods, have discovered …

more

Organisations and brands:

Fotortec introduce its innovative food waste upcycling technology and mushroom-based ingredients into the Swedish market

© Fotortec

Mathilde Do Chi, Expert on Food Law, Part 7: Mushrooms and Other Fungi Wonders

Mathilde Do Chi is the CEO of Forward Food Law, a food law and regulatory consultancy in global alternative protein regulations. She is an international food law and regulatory consultant with expertise in alternative proteins, novel foods, the future of food, and much more. A frequent public speaker at numerous food and foodtech conferences, Mathilde helps VCs, startups and multinationals comprehend complex food regulations, assisting the likes of Blue Horizon, Planted, and Formo with their legal matters. In this seventh installment of her special series for vegconomist, Mathilde discusses the complicated world of regulations around edible fungi. Mushrooms and other fungi wonders, how they are regulated By Mathilde Do Chi Often grouped with plant-based ingredients although part of a different kingdom of life, fungi are …

more

plant-based meat alternatives

© bit24 - stock.adobe.com

Guest Post: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in Plant-Based Meat Alternatives

The meat analogs sector has seen waning growth over the past two years. Even top markets such as North America experienced a 3.3% decline in the growth rate by volume between 2021 and 2023 in the meat and seafood analogs segment. However, the plant-based meat and seafood segment is expected to grow in North America at a CAGR of 2.1% between 2024 and 2028, and the global market for meat and seafood analogs is anticipated to grow in the next few years. Retail sales of plant-based products moderated in 2022 and experienced a drop in 2023 in the US. This can be attributed to price increases for plant-based products that occurred alongside high inflation and tighter consumer budgets, leading to decreased consumer engagement within plant-based categories. …

more

Fi Europe

© Informa Markets

Fi Europe Startup Challenge: Plant-Based Innovation is Driving the Transition to a More Sustainable Food System

The Fi Europe Startup Challenge has become an important platform for advancing potentially transformational solutions from young companies. Although it is built around an awards programme, the Challenge does more than recognise innovation. It nurtures startups by giving them business support, constructive feedback, industry exposure and an opportunity to make the connections they need to scale up and grow. The Challenge was the brainchild of nutrition consultant and food industry expert Sandra Einerhand, who worked with the team at Fi Europe to make it a reality. Since then, the programme has gone from strength to strength, and is now in its ninth edition. “The Challenge offers a front-row seat to witness the cutting-edge ideas and creativity that are shaping the future of the food industry. …

more

Beyond and Oatly stocks

Philipp Wolf on Canva Pro

Between Hype and Reality: Oatly and Beyond Meat as a Reflection of the Industry?

The food sector is in the midst of radical change, driven by innovations in alternative proteins, AgTech and sustainable food production. While ‘new food’ companies have grown strongly in recent years, doubts are now emerging about their future viability, which are manifested in a much more difficult financing environment. To better understand this situation, it helps to take a look at listed companies such as Oatly and Beyond Meat, but also to look at the broader global and national financing situation. Oatly and Beyond Meat: the case of the pioneer shares Oatly and Beyond Meat were once at the forefront of the alternative protein revolution. Beyond Meat (BYND) went public in 2019 and quickly became a favourite of investors betting on the plant-based meat market. …

more

Organisations and brands:

load more