06 December 2023
With our retail program we select inspiring startups who are retail ready to pitch at your organization. Within 2 hours you meet passionate entrepreneurs and taste innovative products to list on your shelf. Last week we went to Dirk van den Broek with six innovative startups to pitch their products!
Innovating Shelves: Dirk van den Broek's Partnership with BNF
Dirk van den Broek has been an enthusiastic partner of Brave New Food for 2 years. They approached us to find collaboration with innovative startups that are retail-ready. Dirk van den Broek's milk trade grew into a successful supermarket chain with more than 125 stores nationwide. Dirk's focus has always been on the sharpest price-quality ratio. With Dirk's recent growth, there are more and more customers looking for a different selection on the shelves. To respond to this, we brought together six startups to pitch for Dirk's merchandising and sourcing team. It was a morning filled with inspiring stories from passionate entrepreneurs, tasting new products, and promising follow-up discussions.
Merchandising and sourcing
Arie van Doesburg, Senior Unit Manager for fruits, vegetables, and fresh products at Dirk, initiated this roadshow. He noticed that category managers and buyers are often consumed by the daily management of their category and pitch slide decks from startups with new concepts end up on the bottom of their priority list. With this retail roadshow, we bring everyone together twice a year to get to the core. Our goal is, therefore, to get startups on the shelf and connect them with the right ambassadors within the company, so they don't get lost in a fast-paced world where rotation is sometimes the primary focus.
The six startups
With six innovative start ups SUNT | The Banana Factory, Mixblik , Willicroft, Monkeys By The Sea, Wholy Greens | B Corp, Huberts' Food, we went to the headquarters of Dirk van den Broek. They not only inspired the category and sourcing managers, but are truly delicious and contributing to the food transition with their products.
SUNT
SUNT rescues bananas and turns them into healthy, innovative products such as banana bread and 'baked donuts'. This way, you can enjoy to the fullest while simultaneously advocating for a more sustainable food industry. They change the game, but you make the actual change!
MIXBLIK
MIXBLIK is a social enterprise and a globally canning factory! It helps new Rotterdam women moving forward by preparing meals together. All recipes are originally contributed by the women working at MIXBLIK. Their meals are healthy, vegetarian, and easy to prepare. They also cook with organic and local ingredients as much as possible.
Willicroft
Willicroft today is a plant-based cheese company based in Amsterdam. They make delicious products from beans and lentils, ensuring there is no sacrifice in taste or texture. They proudly present 'Original Better' – the most sustainable and resource-friendly plant-based butter on the market. It's not just about butter; it's about changing the way we enjoy food. Together, we're making sustainability the new standard. It's confirmed to launch in 4 Michelin star restaurants in January just to drum home the quality of the product. I have had a tast of it and it is really like butter, but better! You can invest here in a better future.
Monkeys by the sea
Monkeys by the sea believes that the world is ready for tasty alternatives to seafood. They love their oceans and believe that we can turn our diets into force for good to protect mother ocean. Their fish salads and crispy bites are 100% Plant based, free from Soy and Palm-oil, contains Omega fatty acids from algae and have no monkey business, but are just delicious!
Wholy Greens
Wholy Greens veggie pastas made with more than 50% vegetables are deliciously nutritious and infused with positive energy. The product is suitable for families that treat the planet like a good friend. The pasta is developed by an Italian Chef and they reduced all the unnecessary ingredients.. It is also extra attractive for children, to eat more vegetables in an easy way. Thanks to their rebranding, it fits perfect in the shelves.Together, they explore new ways to get the most out of each harvest and each plant.
Huberts Food
Huberts Food serves protein-rich ice cream that is crafted in an artisanal way and based on our authentic family recipe. They aim to do good with nutrition and create social impact in a trusted manner. Want to stay fit and vital while enjoying? Huberts has the solution for the preservation and building of muscle mass. With over 11% protein per serving, it's responsibly delicious.
Follow-up discussions are underway, and there's a possibility you might soon get to sample these products at one of Dirk's supermarkets!
Are you reading this as a retailer who is in search of listing innovative assortment or a startup with a delicious product that contributes to the food transition? Get in touch with me at simone.holleman@bravenewfood.com