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.

This year's Greenhouse Accelerator program looks outside the box in areas like emerging science and technology that can help PepsiCo stay close to evolving consumer tastes and preferences. Each of the participating companies will receive $20,000 in grant funding and begin a six-month business program designed to accelerate their growth through personalized mentorship

Global innovation platform, Plug and Play, announced its newest location in Chicago. This office will focus on connecting startups, corporations, and investors working on innovating the food and beverage industry. Since 2017, Plug and Play has run a food and beverage program out of their headquarters in Silicon Valley and has since expanded to Bangkok, Milan, São Paulo, and Shanghai.

Peekaboo Organics' ice cream featuring hidden vegetables was named the grand prize winner of the Real California Milk Snackcelerator dairy snack innovation competition created by the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) and VentureFuel.

PepsiCo announced the call for applications for the 5th annual Greenhouse Accelerator program, this year with a focus on breakthrough innovations and technologies that improve the aging process through wellness and health management.

Inspired by the number of quality ideas and products that integrate the flavor and functionality of California dairy into both sweet and savory snack formulations, the VentureFuel-run competition has expanded to include 16 companies competing for over $800,000 in awards.