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Innovators in Food 2023

Celebrating the companies shaping the future of food & drink

Since 2014, we’ve championed new and innovative ingredients, and the manufacturers, challenger brands and entrepreneurs who have embraced them. We’ve connected food tech entrepreneurs with investors, and we are underlining the importance of people and careers in this exciting and important sector.

Now we are celebrating those at the centre of the future of food, by launching Innovators in Food – an annual list that commends sustainability-driven food and drink companies shaping the world of food through environmental and social impact.

Those shortlisted will gain access to an extensive network of more than 150,000+ professionals across retail, foodservice, ingredient innovators, business services and more with people at the forefront of sustainability and innovation. A board full of figure heads to support the innovations of the year. Tetra Pak, Lonza and Waitrose are just a few names that are part of the Food matters Live community.

Be the change.

Apply now

Steering Group

Submission process

Food and drink companies wishing to be considered for the Innovators in Food list, will need to submit a 10-minute video answering 3 key questions

The video should answer:

Any further questions? Please email info@foodmatterslive.com and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Please note there is no sample needed, no tasting etc.

Apply now

Benefits of taking part

Those shortlisted will gain access to an extensive network of more than 150,000+ professionals across retail, foodservice, ingredient innovators, business services and more with job functions such as CEOs, product developers, buyers, development chefs and sustainability leaders.

Apply now

FAQs

Who is Innovators in Food 2023 open to?

Food Matters Live Innovators in Food 2023 is open to:

– Ingredient companies;

– Food and drink brands;

– Agri-food tech entrepreneurs;

– Nutrition initiatives;

– Food education projects;

– Sustainability initiatives;

– Behaviour change initiatives.

What are the benefits of being recognised as a Food Matters Live Innovator?

As a commended Food Matters Live Innovator, you will receive:

– Dedicated landing page on our website promoting your innovation;

– Interview with your business leader/founder featured in the Community area of our website;

– A guest appearance on the Food Matter Live podcast;

– A bespoke online feature exploring the innovation in more depth, as part of Food Matters Explores;

– The opportunity to speak at one of the Meet the innovators panel discussions held throughout 2023.

How will Innovators in Food 2023 be judged?

The Food Matters Live Innovators in Food 2023 will be chosen by a select steering group consisting of industry experts including:

Dr Paolo Giavedoni, Director of Innovation at EIT Food;

Sally Uren, CEO at Forum for the Future;

What are the opening and closing dates for submissions?

Submissions will open on Wednesday 15th September at 9:00am BST and close on Friday 11th November 5:00pm GMT.

How much does it cost to enter?

Submissions incur a £199 + VAT administration fee.

How should I record my video and how long should it be?

There is no need for expensive equipment, a video recorded on a smartphone is just fine. Please make sure your video is no longer than 10 minutes. Any videos submitted which are longer than this will be reedited!

How large can my video file be?

We cannot accept file sizes over 2GB. We suggest using a platform such as Clipchamp to edit your video to keep the file size down. If your file size exceeds 2GB, please email info@foodmatterslive.com.

What video format and definition should I use?

We recommend uploading your video in MP4 format capped at 720p definition in order to keep files small.

Do I need to send in a sample of my food/drink product?

No sample is needed. Innovators in Food will be solely judged using the video entries.