ICL Group Ltd., a leading global specialty minerals and specialty chemicals company, launched ICL Planet Startup Hub.The new innovation platform is expected to help propel innovative foodTech and agriTech start-ups to the marketplace and to provide enterprises with an extensive network of support, including investment and mentorship.

SKU, an accelerator for consumer packaged goods (CPGs), announced six companies that will participate in the upcoming track of the Minneapolis program, ImpactSKU '21. Each was selected based on the basis of product innovation, market traction, and the passion of founders.

The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) announced the return of its annual dairy innovation competition with a new name and increased focus on advancing excellence in functional dairy product development. The Real California Milk Excelerator, the 3rd edition of the CMAB dairy product innovation competition with innovation consultancy VentureFuel, will award up to $650,000 in prizes for new dairy products that support performance and recovery benefits.

Better Brand, Inc., an innovative food tech startup marking a new era of nutrition by leading innovation in the multi-trillion-dollar refined carb space, announced plans to launch its first product, The Better Bagel – turning one of the most carb-heavy foods into the carb equivalent of ½ of an orange, or 1/5th of a banana.

Pegasus Tech Ventures, a Silicon Valley-based global venture capital firm which supports innovation for global corporations, announced a business collaboration with Japan’s food giant Ajinomoto Co., Inc.

To support new and emerging start-up companies developing alternative meat and dairy products and to create further collaboration opportunities with some of the most recognized players in the food industry, AAK AB (publ.) will invest in Big Idea Ventures' (BIV) New Protein Fund I.

In recent years, the majority of growth in the food and beverage industry has gone to companies outside the top 20 players, with smaller and more agile brands capitalizing on the demand for personalized products and rapidly shifting consumer behavior and the farm and fork growing more connected every year.

Impossible Foods is launching its 2021 summer internship program by posting openings for 26 roles across the company, from R&D to Communications.  

Rival Foods, a plant-based gastronomy start-up, and LIVEKINDLY Collective, a collection of heritage and start-up brands, announced they will enter into a partnership to create the perfect plant-based chicken, helping consumers make sustainable choices without compromise.

Kellogg Company announced more details about its collaboration with Future Food-Tech to launch an Innovation Challenge, giving new talent in the industry a chance to shine on a big virtual stage. Wellness is a major area of focus for Kellogg, and through this challenge, the company is seeking pitches on unique plant-based ideas that support digestive wellness.