As the global food system faces mounting challenges from climate change, resource scarcity, and food waste, innovative startups like Farmhood are stepping up to lead the way toward a more sustainable future. Founded by Selin Arslan, an industrial engineer turned sustainability advocate, Farmhood is a food-tech startup on a mission to tackle food waste through cutting-edge, sustainable innovation. With a background in supply chain consulting at firms like EY and a current MSc. focus in Sustainable Food and Agricultural Systems, Selin combines technical expertise with a passion for creating lasting impact in the food industry.
In this interview, Selin shares Farmhood’s journey from concept to reality, including the development of a pilot production facility and the company’s early success, achieving over €30,000 in revenue. We also explore the growing trend of upcycled food products and how Farmhood is leveraging innovation to turn food waste into opportunity, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Farmhood’s mission focuses on transforming surplus produce into plant-based protein using green tech methods. Could you share the origin story of Farmhood and what inspired the development of this approach?
Farmhood transforms surplus agricultural produce into plant-based protein using proprietary green tech methods. However, our journey began with a broader mission to tackle food waste and drive innovation in the agri-food sector. In 2021, I witnessed firsthand the alarming issue of food waste in our family’s tangerine garden, where farmers were unable to sell their produce due to low market prices. This experience highlighted the urgent need for technologies that could create value-added products from surplus produce.
Since then, Farmhood has evolved into a sustainable foodtech startup, aligning our R&D capabilities with market demands to ensure successful commercialization. By upcycling undervalued produce and food sector by-products, we have developed a patented protein extraction method that aligns with our mission to create sustainable, plant-based food solutions.

Can you give us an overview of Farmhood’s current product portfolio, describe your key target groups across B2B and B2C sectors, and share which regions your products are currently available in or where you plan to expand?
Our current portfolio features nutritious vegan snacks with appealing flavors and textures, designed for B2C customers. These snacks have allowed us to establish a strong brand presence and gain market insights while working on our patented plant-based protein extraction process, which will cater to both B2B and B2C sectors.
To date, we have successfully generated revenue and built a robust product development and pilot production facility. By the end of 2025, we aim to integrate our vegan protein ingredient into our existing snacks and scale production to meet B2B demand.
Our revenue strategy begins with B2C sales, focusing on urban, health-conscious professionals who prioritize sustainability. As we expand into B2B, we plan to offer our protein ingredient to food manufacturers across diverse sectors, from pharmaceuticals to snacks. Our sustainable approach, which involves upcycling agricultural by-products, not only addresses food waste but also offers a versatile and high-value ingredient for global markets.
Could you share more about the raw materials you use and explain the science behind this novel protein formulation? How does it differ from conventional plant-based proteins?
Our plant-based protein is unique because it combines by-products from the food sector, transforming them into a high-value ingredient through a patent pending upcycling process. Unlike conventional methods, which focus solely on protein extraction, our approach enhances the nutritional profile by preserving other valuable compounds such as fibers and antioxidants.
This zero-waste methodology aligns with global sustainability goals, offering a scalable model for reducing food waste. Additionally, our process allows us to adapt to diverse raw materials, ensuring a consistent supply chain while supporting local producers. The result is a versatile protein ingredient with superior nutritional properties, ideal for a wide range of applications from functional foods to nutraceuticals.

Sustainability is a key concern in today’s market. How does Farmhood’s upcycling process and use of green technologies contribute to reducing waste and sustainable supply chains?
Farmhood leverages green technologies to transform food sector by-products into value-added products, addressing both food waste and sustainability challenges. Our upcycling process not only reduces carbon emissions but also contributes to sustainable supply chains by creating products with longer shelf lives and enhanced nutritional value. Farmhood’s solution strategically addresses both the rising consumer demand for health-conscious food options and the critical issue of food waste in the retail sector, thereby enhancing the competitiveness and efficiency of the entire value chain.
To date, we have reached over 2,000 households and nearly 50 companies, established direct-to-consumer sales channels, and secured placements in markets and hotels. As the agri-food ecosystem undergoes significant transformation, traditional methods and market data are no longer sufficient to guide next-generation product development. By bridging academic research with market needs, we are commercializing innovative solutions that align with consumer and regulatory demands.
Our approach reduces financial losses from unsold goods, improves inventory management, and fosters a circular economy by collaborating with food producers and retailers to repurpose surplus agricultural produce.

You’ve mentioned tailoring product lines to current market trends. Can you give us some insight into how you monitor consumer preferences and what trends you see driving the future of plant-based protein and upcycled food products?
We actively monitor consumer preferences and market trends to tailor our product lines, ensuring they meet the demands of health-conscious, sustainability-focused individuals. Our development of vegan protein products is particularly timely, responding to the growing demand for sustainable dietary options and serving as an environmentally friendly alternative.
The global plant protein market is growing at a CAGR of 7.2% through 2028, and the functional food market is expected to reach $267.92 billion by 2027. These trends underscore the importance of offering sustainable, high-nutrition options that align with consumer priorities. Our products are designed to cater to this surging demand by offering high-nutrition vegan snacks, including protein bars, herbal milks, and protein powders, which align with the preferences of health-conscious consumers who prioritize ingredients they recognize and trust.
By integrating upcycled vegan protein into our products, we not only address these trends but also enable retailers to enhance their sustainability profiles. Our approach helps meet regulatory requirements, build stronger community relationships, and gain a competitive edge in a market that increasingly values transparency and eco-conscious practices.