The Kitchen is Israel’s only FoodTech-focused incubator – owned by Strauss Group – addressing global food challenges by nurturing and investing in cutting-edge technology start-ups.
Its areas of interest include supply chain technologies; efficient food processing; sensors for food safety and quality; prolonged shelf life and reduction of food spoilage; smart packaging; ingredients and products with new health benefits; improved nutritional profiles; and the reduction of environmental footprints.
Nourish promising ventures
The goal of the partnership is to foster promising FoodTech ventures that can ‘disrupt’ the global food system to make it more productive, affordable, sustainable and healthier.
This is aligned with the Oreo and LU biscuit maker’s SnackFuture innovation hub – launched last November to identify and venture with start-up entrepreneurs to seed new businesses in the snacking segment, an area that is growing rapidly on a global basis.
The initiative also aims to support marketing, sourcing and distribution, and enhance digital capabilities.
"There’s no doubt that Israel is a world leader in food and agricultural innovation, and we’ve been truly inspired by the talented entrepreneurs that are part of The Kitchen,” said Rob Hargrove, executive VP, Research, Development and Quality at Mondelēz, who has joined The Kitchen Advisory Council.
“We’re looking forward to collaborate with those start-ups, be it to jointly develop new technologies or to provide help and expertise in specific fields."
As part of the collaboration, Mondelēz will have access to the incubator, to offer its entrepreneurs technological and commercial expertise and the opportunity to work in its global Technical Centers.
One of the most dynamic in the world
"With over 6,600 active start-up companies and a steady growth year on year, the Israeli innovation ecosystem is one of the most dynamic in the world and we're thrilled to be part of it," said Tim Cofer, who heads up SnackFutures and is executive VP and chief growth officer of Mondelēz International.
"We're looking to collaborate with the best and brightest talent in advancing the future of snacking.”
SnackFuture’s ventures
Last week, SnackFuture made its second investment by partnering with a player in the free-from category.
The snacking giant acquired a ‘minority stake’ in the owner of snack brand Hu Products, which are vegan, paleo-friendly chocolate snacks that free of refined sugar, soy, dairy and gluten.
SnackFutures kicked off its program with a minority stake in US-based Uplift Food, an early-stage start-up that produces prebiotic functional foods, in March.
