FoodBev speaks to two pioneering businesses that are shaping the future of Italy’s agri-food landscape. Coccola, the natural better-for-you sweetener, and LaGemma Venture, an investment hub dedicated to Italian agri-food start-ups, both share a mission rooted in sustainability, innovation and meaningful consumer impact.

FoodBev spoke with Emmanuela Alesiani, CEO, founder and inventor of Coccola, and Wilma Tesio, director general of LaGemma Venture, to explore their vision, their latest developments and the shared values that connect their journeys.

In an era where consumers are demanding clean-label ingredients, less sugar and functional benefits, Coccola emerges as a timely solution. Designed as both a natural sweetener and drink booster, Coccola aims to elevate everyday hydration with ingredients that support wellness. The heart of its innovation is a proprietary blend of coconut water and coconut milk powder.

As the brand moves through its next chapter, Emmanuela highlights key pillars driving its innovation during our conversation.

Emmanuela recently celebrated a networking event hosted at Maison Montaigne, Milan, Italy – with partners and investors of Coccola. The evening showcased the company’s journey – capturing meaningful conversations and a sense of collective commitment to a healthier, more thoughtful beverage culture.

LaGemma Venture, a new investment and acceleration hub from CRC Foundation, is dedicated to supporting the next generation of innovators across agriculture, nutrition, sustainability and circular economy in Italy.

In our conversation with Wilma Tesio, she emphasises LaGemma Venture’s core ambition to nurture the most promising ideas in agri-food and give them the structure, capital, and ecosystem they need to flourish. Their partnership with Coccola reflects their dedication to supporting visionary brands that redefine consumer wellbeing.