Misfits Market, Upcycled Food Association Host Repurposed Food Challenge
Contest prompts food entrepreneurs to create innovative, sustainable, flavorful food products that repurpose excess food or waste
Misfits Market and the Upcycled Food Association announced The Upcycling Challenge, a contest for food entrepreneurs to create an innovative, sustainable, and delicious food product that repurposes excess food or waste. Finalists will pitch new products to a panel of judges at EXPO West in March 2023 in Anaheim, California. Challenge winners will receive a one-year slot placement on Misfits Market with national branding and promotional opportunities and distribution in all 48 lower states, in addition to waived fees for the product to become Upcycled Certified by the Upcycled Food Association.
The food supply chain continues to battle food waste with manufacturing processes that create byproducts like small pieces, ends and crumbs. According to a study by ReFED, 35% of all foods in the United States goes unsold or uneaten and leaves a greenhouse gas footprint equivalent to 4% of total US emissions. The Upcycling Challenge challenges food entrepreneurs to find ways to give new life to those leftovers.