Transforming the German Food System: How to Make Start-Ups Great!

Abstract

The food system represents a key industry for Europe and Germany in particular. However, it is also the single most significant contributor to climate and environmental change. A food system transformation is necessary to overcome the system’s major and constantly increasing challenges in the upcoming decades. One possible facilitator for this transformation are radical and disruptive innovations that start-ups develop. There are many challenges for start-ups in general and food start-ups in particular. Various support opportunities and resources are crucial to ensure the success of food start-ups. One aim of this study is to identify how the success of start-ups in the food system can be supported and further strengthened by actors in the innovation ecosystem in Germany. There is still room for improvement and collaboration toward a thriving innovation ecosystem. A successful innovation ecosystem is characterised by a well-organised, collaborative, and supportive environment with a vivid exchange between the members in the ecosystem. The interviewees confirmed this, and although the different actors are already cooperating, there is still room for improvement. The most common recommendation for improving cooperation is learning from other countries and bringing the best to Germany.

Meat hybrids–An assessment of sensorial aspects, consumer acceptance, and nutritional properties

“…A promising alternative pathway for a more sustainable and healthier diet is to reduce the consumption of meat proteins and increase the share of plant proteins in the diet instead ( 2 ). In this context, textured soy protein, pulses, etc., are frequently used as a substitute for animal protein in product development, particularly in food start-ups ( 3 ). Another option is to replace just a fraction of the meat product (e.g., 20–50%) with plant-based proteins ( 4 ).…”