01 July 2021
Collaboration is at the core of everything we do at Brave New Food. In order to expand our reach, we also encourage interaction amongst our valuable partners in the form of regular Partner Events. This past week, we dedicated an entire afternoon to networking in real life for the first time since our launch.
Innovation challenges
We gathered at the unique location ‘De Beleving’ in Zeewolde joined by 30 CEOs, innovation managers, retailers and marketing professionals from companies including CampsFood, Niacet, Hocras, De Breed & Partners, and HAS University of Applied Sciences*. Moderated by culinary journalist Marcus Polman, we delved into crucial topics such as accelerating the transition to a healthier and more sustainable food system through collaboration. While also confronting the challenges that are faced in regard to innovation and the occasional struggles of working with start-ups.
Long-term thinking
On the basis of several triggering statements, we hosted two panel discussions. First up were Lianne Dingemanse (Friesland Campina), Pieter Hogeveen (The Greenery), and Jesse ’t Lam (Brave New Food). Followed by Ben van der Deen (NIZO), Patricia van Heffen (Do-IT) and Vincent van Gorkom (Brave New Food). Throughout the sessions the lively audience gave input from their respective fields, resulting in in-depth discussions. The importance of long-term thinking in regard to innovation was emphasized as one must stay ahead of the game even when the business objective is not as relevant in the present moment – as it will be in 5 years.
Value of BNF
It was also an opportunity for the partners to reflect on the added value of partnering with Brave New Food which was revealed to significantly increase the transfer of knowledge while facilitating and improving the scouting process for new innovative parties. The diversity of our network was also highlighted, as we cover the entire supply chain of the food sector and ensure to include a broad selection of international startups, scale-ups, SMEs and partners.
Networking in the polder
To stimulate new individual connections amongst our diverse group of stakeholders, we broke up the panel discussions with several 10 minute ‘speed-networking’ sessions. Pairs were formed to have one-on-ones against the backdrop of the polder landscape. It allowed our partners to intermingle and continue the knowledge exchange, resulting in much food for thought.
Innovative brands
At the end of a successful day we took the opportunity to feature several innovative brands by including Gro oyster mushroom chips, SUNT banana bread, THIJS-drinks iced tea, Rose & Vanilla gluten-free cupcakes, Max & Bien vegan cheeses and a Produce Mate in our Brave New Food gift bags.
Recap
Reflecting back on our first Partner Event, we are proud to solidify our valuable network and stimulate collaboration within our sector. We received great feedback on the event setup with many new connections made and our partners already looking forward to the next meet-up.
Curious to find out more about this event? Check out our aftermovie below!
For all our future partners– join our club here to meet like-minded game changers.
* Partner Attendees: Brightlands Campus, Camps Food, De Breed & Partners, De Weerd Specerijen, Direct Source International, Do-IT, Stichting DOEN, Foodvalley NL, FrieslandCampina, HAS University of Applied Sciences, Hessing Supervers, Hocras, Hof Hoorneman Bankiers NV, Horizon Flevoland, Niacet, NIZO, Smurfit Kappa, SuperUnie, The Greenery