Who is successfully implementing sustainable practices in food? Challenges are inevitable, but how are companies overcoming them? These questions, and more, were answered in our recent webinar, Sustainably Nourishing Tomorrow: A Collaborative Approach for Global Impact. In collaboration with Greater Zurich Area, the Swiss business concierge for companies looking to grow internationally in the Greater Zurich region, Branchfood brought together industry experts for conversations about the future of packaging, sustainability metrics, and creating sustainable consumer products. Annette Herz, stra ..read more

With strong fundamentals and a forecasted fall in interest rates, fundraising in the food & beverage industry should improve in 2024 and accelerate into 2025. Independent brands continue to drive growth over large consumer brands in both natural and overall food product categories. Grocery sales have stabilized back to pre-pandemic levels, where natural products remain a promising growth area regardless of economic conditions. Consumers are embracing a more holistic view of wellness, as well as factoring in planetary health, sustainability and socially conscious values in the brands they c ..read more

Did you know that Merriam-Webster selects a word of the year annually? The term they identified most on people’s minds for 2023 was “authentic.” While the world at large googled the word in response to AI, social media, and celebrity influence, consumers in the food industry searched for authenticity in the form of less processed, more nutritious, clean-label foods. Consumers are ever more conscious and curious about where their food comes from, what’s in it, and how it is produced. We believe whole-food, nutrient-dense ingredients will lead the way in 2024, and change the food system game for ..read more

As we start a new year, we invite you to join us in reflecting on Branchfood’s 2023 accomplishments. Branchfood team members were expert panelists at over twelve industry-leading events, hosted two community-wide networking gatherings, and organized many other educational and private events. Our work took us to all corners of the industry, from financing startups leading the way in industry transformation, to discussing food fraud with leaders from across the globe and further opportunities for industry innovation. Our collaborations and connections with stakeholders catalyzed positive change ..read more

On Thursday, November 16, in the buzzing setting of Night Shift Brewing on Lovejoy Wharf, our Connect and Innovate event convened 110 stakeholders representing the frontiers of our industry. We were joined by startup founders and corporate leaders, investors and experts from across the supply chain. We owe our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors: Trax Retail, CSC Leasing, Greater Zurich Area, Cambridge Trust, and Foley Hoag. Their support for our community and recognition of the importance of industry innovation made this evening of collaborative exploration and discourse possible. During th ..read more

Estimated reading time: 7 min The rapidly evolving world of retail can be daunting, but there are steps Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) businesses can take to ensure they’re always one step ahead. Branchfood interviewed Georgios Tzafis, VP of Sales at Trax Retail, to gain insights into key tactics that can drive growth for CPG companies. Georgios discusses the critical role of data, the art of balancing cross-channel sales, and how shifts in consumer behavior are affecting retail merchandising and activation strategies.  Tell us about Trax Retail and your role at the organization. What moti ..read more

Economic uncertainty and inflation are significantly impacting consumer behavior and purchasing power, posing new obstacles for CPG sales teams and their growth plans. At our recent webinar in collaboration with Trax Retail, we learned from successful founders and industry experts who have cracked the code to success in the current complex business landscape. Trax Retail is a global provider of retail management solutions for CPG brands. The company’s mission is to enable brands and retailers to harness the power of digital technologies to produce the best shopping experiences imaginable. Trax ..read more

Within the walls of the Sam Adams Downtown Boston Taproom, the excitement was undeniable at Branchfood’s esteemed Summer Meet and Mingle, hosted in collaboration with our partners at Brewing the American Dream and JPMorgan Chase. The evening unfolded filled with rich discussion, fruitful connections, and food and drinks from local restaurants. With over 150 food innovators in attendance, we witnessed an exceptional turnout, highlighting the strong engagement within the local food industry. Amidst an assortment of beautifully set tables, guests were treated to irresistible food, provided by B ..read more

Earlier this summer, Branchfood had the pleasure of welcoming  Lucas Gehlen, Managing Director of Massas Famigliare, as part of the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Program. Made possible by the U.S. Department of State, the program is designed to empower entrepreneurs, increase trade, and encourage job promotion throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada. YLAI 2023 fellows are playing a crucial role in the region, building tools, networks, and resources to strengthen economic and social development. Based in Brazil, Massas Famigliare is a fresh pasta CP ..read more

Last month, our very own, Lauren Abda, Founder & CEO at Branchfood, attended the HackSummit, a leading climate and food conference hosted annually in Switzerland. The conference convened 950 founders, funders, and operators from across Europe and Israel who are creating enabling technologies and consumer brands with the primary objectives of mitigating climate change and improving human health.  Current food systems generate more than a third of all man-made greenhouse gas emissions. From animal farming and agriculture, to innovative packaging and efficient waste stream systems, innov ..read more