MILWAUKEE, WI (December 10, 2020) — Out of 340 applicants, 15 food and agriculture entrepreneurs took the virtual stage to present new ideas to feed the world more sustainably at the FoodBytes! Pitch 2020 competition. Agricycle Global was selected as a 2020 winner for its breakthrough innovations in food loss mitigation as part of the redesigned FoodBytes! Pitch startup discovery program by Rabobank.
In winning the Consumer Food & Beverage (CPG) Award for Innovation in Food Loss Mitigation, Agricycle Global claimed $10,000 to support their business, as well as consulting services from FoodBytes! Pitch members.
According to Rabobank, the redesigned FoodBytes! Pitch startup discovery program helps entrepreneurs scale their impact in solving food system challenges through mentorship and connections to corporate and investor members – who in turn gain access to a vetted pipeline of startups aligned with their innovation goals.
“The FoodBytes! Pitch 2020 winners represent the future of food and agribusiness innovation,” said Anne Greven, Head of F&A Innovation, Rabobank. “Their breakthrough technologies have the potential to help solve major food system challenges, including food loss, malnutrition and water scarcity. That’s why FoodBytes! Pitch is about so much more than a prize. Rabobank is facilitating productive, lasting connections between startups, investors and large food and ag companies who can help drive change at a global scale together.”
“Agricycle Global impressed the judges with its innovative model that connects farmers in emerging economies to global markets through a vertically-integrated supply chain and portfolio of upcycled brands,” wrote FoodBytes!
Agricycle Global bridges the gap between small-holder farmers in emerging economies and global markets through a vertically-integrated supply chain and portfolio of ethically sourced and upcycled brands.
“Being recognized as the FoodBytes! Pitch 2020 CPG winner is incredible validation for our model and for our vision that it’s possible to source quality food from remote villages around the world. Smallholder farmers deserve to be included in the food system, and we’re proving that we can empower these farmers with the technology to create upcycled ingredients and products that fight food loss. The exposure and connections to corporate leaders and investors, as well as other entrepreneurs who are a few steps ahead in their paths, will be so impactful to us as we grow,” said Josh Shefner, founder & CEO, Agricycle Global.
