Australian biotech innovator All G is accelerating its entry into the global speciality protein market through a joint venture with France-based bioactives company Armor Protéines, alongside the close of a AUD 10 million (approx. $6.6m) convertible note round. The capital will fuel commercial-scale production of All G’s first recombinant human lactoferrin ingredient, slated for launch in Q1 2026, supporting development of a pipeline of human milk proteins targeting the early-life and adult nutrition markets. The newly formed joint venture brings together All G’s precision fermentation platform and Armor Protéines’ three decades of experience in producing and commercialising high-value dairy bioactives. Armor Protéines, a subsidiary of Savencia Fromage & Dairy, brings extensive global customer networks and expertise in scaling functional dairy ingredients. The company is one of the world’s largest producers of lactoferrin, supplying infant formula, adult nutrition and supplement manufacturers for over 30 years. The partners said the joint venture will allow rapid scale-up and commercial rollout of both human and bovine lactoferrin across global markets, leveraging established regulatory pathways and manufacturing know-how. The inclusion of human lactoferrin represents a potentially transformative step for the infant formula sector. Human lactoferrin is structurally and functionally closer to what is naturally found in breast milk, and its availability at a commercial scale could enable formula manufacturers to more closely match human breast milk’s protein profile. Lactoferrin is one of the most bioactive and expensive functional milk proteins on the market, prized for its antimicrobial properties, iron-binding capacity and benefits across immune function, gastrointestinal health and skin health. Today, the global supply is constrained by traditional extraction methods, which require thousands of litres of cow’s milk to produce one kilogram of purified lactoferrin. As a result, the ingredient is used primarily in premium infant nutrition and high-value nutraceuticals. Recombinant lactoferrin has long been seen as a promising alternative to animal-derived supply, but technical challenges, particularly achieving native-like glycosylation and high-yield expression, have limited commercial feasibility. All G said it has overcome these hurdles through its proprietary precision fermentation processes. Its bovine lactoferrin has now reached pilot-scale production, achieving high purity and batch-to-batch consistency. The company has also completed self-affirmed GRAS status for adult nutrition in the US and secured approval for use in personal care applications in China. On the human lactoferrin front, All G says its first recombinant version will achieve over 95% purity and full bio-equivalence, paving the way for applications across infant and maternal nutrition. Industry demand for lactoferrin is expected to continue outpacing supply as manufacturers focus on immune-support ingredients and more 'bioidentical' early-life nutrition solutions. Precision-fermented lactoferrin could ease supply constraints, stabilise pricing and broaden usage beyond premium SKUs. This joint venture and capital infusion marks a major milestone in All G’s ambitions to build a portfolio of milk proteins, with its bovine lactoferrin powder planned for market introduction later this year, followed by human lactoferrin early next year.

The European Parliament has postponed further negotiations regarding the proposed ban on meat-like words, such as ‘burger’ and ‘steak,’ for labelling plant-based products. The negotiations between the EU Parliament, Council and Commission were underway this week, with an agreement due to be made on the proposed legislation yesterday (10 December 2025). However, member states were not able to reach an agreement on the ban, and the file will now be passed to the upcoming Cyprus presidency, beginning in January 2026. Negotiations were up in the air following the recommendation of additional restrictions by French MEP Céline Imart, who is leading the proposed legislation . Imart is pushing to expand the list of protected terms, which already includes a range of meaty words like ‘sausage’ and ‘burger,’ to include new words such as ‘foie’ and ‘ham’ for vegetarian products. Denmark led the talks for EU countries, and opposed an expansion of the ban, which halted the meeting. ProVeg International CEO, Jasmijn de Boo, expressed relief at this latest development, which will allow more time for campaigners petitioning against the ban.   Why has the ban been proposed? Imart and other supporters of the ban, which seeks to protect the animal agriculture industry, claim that the use of such meat-related words for plant-based products is deceptive and confusing for consumers. However, in response to a previous, similar proposal to restrict these words, the European Court of Justice stated that EU law already provides sufficient rules to protect consumers , and that such a ban could not be permitted. ProVeg’s de Boo commented: “This [delay] allows the EU institutions time to reflect on the value of restricting plant-based food labelling. No-one is confused by terms like ‘vegetarian sausage,’ as numerous surveys attest.” She added: “Instead, we must enter the New Year with determination to actively encourage the production and consumption of plant-based foods as a way to help boost the EU economy, improve the healthiness of European consumers’ diets, open up opportunities for Europe’s farmers and bring down the bloc’s greenhouse gas emissions.”   Impact on the industry If made law, the ban would significantly impact plant-based brands selling meat alternative products in the EU. Producers selling products in the UK would also likely be impacted by the ban due to the UK’s post-Brexit trade deal, which may see the EU rules applied in Britain. A cross-party group of UK MPs has written to the European Commission, urging it to reject the proposals. The letter is supported by musician Paul McCartney and family, long-time advocates of plant-based diets since before the launch of UK meat-free pioneer Linda McCartney Foods back in 1991. The MPs have warned that the proposed restrictions would actually create consumer confusion rather than prevent it, as well as damaging innovation and slowing progress on climate goals. Their letter states: “Although the United Kingdom is no longer a member of the European Union, our markets, companies, consumers and regulatory conversations remain closely intertwined. Decisions taken at EU level continue to influence global norms, international trade, and the direction of sustainable food innovation.” New YouGov research shows that 92% of UK adults say they have never accidentally purchased a plant-based sausage or burger believing it contained meat, or cannot recall doing so. © Linda McCartney Foods Paul McCartney commented: “To stipulate that burgers and sausages are ‘plant-based’, ‘vegetarian’ or ‘vegan’ should be enough for sensible people to understand what they are eating. This also encourages attitudes which are essential to our health and that of the planet.”

US oat milk brand Planet Oat has launched a new white chocolate and raspberry-flavoured coffee creamer, in partnership with TV series Emily in Paris. The partnership launches to coincide with the premiere of the Paramount Television Studios-produced TV show on 18 December. Described as combining Planet Oat’s oat milk with ‘the chic, romantic flair of Paris,’ the limited-edition creamer is infused with natural flavours of white chocolate and tart raspberry, designed to add indulgence to coffee consumption. Chris Ross, vice president of marketing and R&D at Planet Oat’s parent company HP Hood, said: “Collaborating with Emily in Paris marks a fun new chapter for Planet Oat, blending the world of entertainment with a coffee ritual in a way that feels fresh and enjoyable”. “We know our consumers crave flavour, variety and sophistication, so pairing this cultural phenomenon with the indulgent profile of white chocolate raspberry allows us to bring a taste of Paris directly to their homes.” The new dairy-free creamer will hit major retail shelves across the US this month, available in a 32 fl oz bottle.

Pow.Bio, an AI-driven continuous fermentation company, and Bühler Group, a global provider of food and advanced materials solutions, have partnered to bring an integrated continuous precision fermentation platform to market. The collaboration combines Pow.Bio’s continuous fermentation technology with Bühler’s engineering and deployment expertise, supported by advanced model-driven control software. The platform is designed to replace traditional batch and fed-batch fermentation methods, offering higher productivity, improved process consistency and lower unit production costs. The solution targets companies producing fermentation-derived products – from enzymes and organic acids to functional proteins, speciality lipids and bioactive compounds – that face cost, scalability or output challenges with conventional systems. By enabling a continuous, model-driven process, the platform offers a smoother path from lab to pilot and industrial scale. Shannon Hall, CEO and co-founder of Pow.Bio, said: “Our collaboration with Bühler sets a new benchmark for biomanufacturing: not just faster, but smarter and more robust. Clients can now capitalize on proven technology and global deployment expertise to unlock commercial-scale production with lower risk and unprecedented efficiency." "This partnership solidifies Pow.Bio’s position at the forefront of industrial biotechnology, enabling us to deliver enduring value for our clients and the sector as a whole.” Thierry Duvanel, Bühler’s North American director of innovation, added: “Precision fermentation has the potential to impact the food, feed, and specialty ingredients industries. Companies are already using it to produce dairy, meat and egg substitutes, alternative oils and fats and even novel pet food – and we are only at the beginning of what this technology can unlock." "By joining forces with Pow.Bio, we take a clear step toward reducing unit production costs in biomanufacturing, combining complementary expertise to accelerate innovation and deliver a fully integrated system backed by experience, service and reliability.” Following Pow.Bio ’s 3,000 litres scale-up with Bühler’s support , both companies are now ready to onboard customers and expand adoption across the sector.

In a move to future-proof its rice supply chain and support farming communities facing the impacts of climate change, Mars Food & Nutrition, the maker of brands like Ben's Original, Tasty Bite and Seeds of Change, has announced a $20 million investment in sustainable rice sourcing over the next decade. The investment, which will be channelled through Mars' new 'Raising Rice Right' platform, aims to help rice farmers across the United States, Europe, India, Pakistan and Thailand adopt climate-smart agricultural practices. These practices, such as 'alternate wetting and drying' (AWD), have been proven to reduce water usage by up to 30% and greenhouse gas emissions by over 40% without compromising yields. "Rice is a daily staple for billions of people and provides an income to millions of farmers around the world, but climate change is placing extraordinary pressure on this vital crop," said Dale Creaser, global VP of supply chain at Mars Food & Nutrition. He continued: "This $20 million investment is about backing our farmers with the tools, technology and training support they need to adapt and thrive in a changing environment". The investment comes at a critical time, as the latest IPCC and FAO reports warn that global rice yields could decline by 10-15% by 2050 under current trends, with climate shocks becoming more frequent. In the UK alone, 63% of people consume rice at least once a week, with the nation consuming 2.3 billion bowls annually. Through the Raising Rice Right platform, Mars will scale the implementation of climate-smart agriculture practices, provide additional training and support to farming communities, and continue to build farmer resilience. The company will also play a leadership role as a founding member of the Sustainable Rice Platform, a global alliance working to promote sustainable rice farming and reduce the environmental footprint of rice production. "As the owners of Ben's Original, one of the world's largest rice brands, we have a responsibility to act," Creaser added. "This investment is about future-proofing our business to ensure we're building a resilient food supply chain and protecting yields and livelihoods for our farmers today and for generations to come." The $20 million investment is part of Mars' broader Sustainable in a Generation plan, which includes science-based goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 50% by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Spanish bakery solutions company Lasenor has debuted a clean label, texturizing protein specifically designed for commercial bakery applications, in collaboration with Israeli start-up Meala FoodTech. Lasenor VP-100, a single-ingredient protein solution made from peas, was developed using Meala’s proprietary texturization technology and further optimised by Lasenor for aerated batter systems. Designed explicitly for bakery use, the solution is said to enhance aeration, produce a softer crumb, and extend shelf life and freshness by slowing the staling process. Lasenor has successfully used the solution to create muffins using 50-100% less egg, showcased at the Fi Europe 2025 trade show in Paris, France, last week. The solution can enable egg reduction ranging from 50% to complete replacement, depending on the formulation. According to Lasenor, in kitchen lab tests, Lasenor VP-100 produced muffins that imparted volume, softness, moisture and an ‘excellent consumer experience comparable to full-egg recipes’. Its performance can be demonstrated in a range of baked goods, including sponge cakes, pound cakes and brioches. The ingredient has a neutral flavour with no off-notes, and is 100% plant-based, allergen-free and non-GMO, supporting consumer demand for simple and transparent ingredient lists. For optimal functional performance, Lasenor VP-100 undergoes a controlled hydration and activation phase enabling it to develop gelling, binding and water-retention capacities critical for egg-reduced formulations, prior to its integration with the rest of the ingredients. All the ingredients are then whisked together for several minutes into an airy batter where the activated protein serves to enhance foam stability so that it maintains air retention during baking. Viktoriia Kubrakova, product manager of Lasenor VP-100 for Lasenor, said: “Food manufacturers are actively seeking solutions that allow partial or full egg reduction, especially in light of the volatile egg supplies and price fluctuations”. “Our trials demonstrate that VP-100 integrates smoothly into standard cake recipes without requiring changes to the processing methods…Trials with Lasenor VP-100 produced soft, voluminous muffins with a uniform fine crumb and a stable structure.” Lasenor recently opened a new technical centre housing a fully equipped bakery lab. The facility is designed to provide on-site guidance to industrial bakery manufacturers, including cake mix producers, in formulating plant-based bakery concepts that do not compromise on sensory appeal and functionality. Images: © Patricia Ortin Blaya

Plant-based meal shake brand Ka’Chava has added a new, limited-edition Chocolate Mint flavour to its line-up, available now through February in the US. The festive nutrition shake blends rich chocolate with refreshing mint in a convenient powder format, aiming to deliver a ‘better-for-you’ twist on peppermint hot chocolate – a nostalgic favourite enjoyed during the holiday season. Ka’Chava Chocolate Mint contains 26g of plant-based protein as well as 6g of fibre, 26 vitamins and minerals, and a blend of more than 85 ‘superfood’ and nutrient-rich ingredients including adaptogens, prebiotic fibres and probiotics. It is designed to support consumers’ energy and general wellbeing during the busy festive season, and is priced at $69.95 per pack of 15 servings. The limited-edition offering follows the introduction of Ka’Chava’s strawberry flavour this summer, the brand’s first new flavour variety in three years. Ka’Chava’s range can be found at select US retailers including Whole Foods, Target and Sprouts Farmers Market.

The long-awaited EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) has been subject to numerous changes and delays since its initial introduction. The timeline for companies to comply with the legislation, which seeks to prevent the sourcing of EU products from deforested land, has recently been postponed yet again – now coming into effect on 30 December 2026 for large and medium-sized businesses, and 30 June 2027 for 'micro' or small enterprises. In this piece, Priscillia Moulin, co-founder and director of strategy at MosaiX and senior advisor at Earthqualizer Foundation and Inovasi Digital, explains why maintaining continuous compliance will be the critical challenge for companies. The European Union Deforestation Regulation has rightly dominated strategic discussions throughout 2025. Large and medium-sized companies will likely be subject to enforcement from the end of next year. As such, companies are busy collecting geolocation data, implementing due diligence systems and preparing their first Due Diligence Statements (DDS). However, a more pressing question looms: will that be enough to actually stay compliant? Many operators mistakenly view EUDR compliance as a one-time data collection exercise – a static snapshot to be taken and submitted. This is a serious miscalculation. The true challenge, and the greatest risk of major fines or market exclusion, lies not in getting compliant, but in the far more complex and crucial process of maintaining continuous compliance through ongoing monitoring and robust, on-the-ground remediation. The illusion of static compliance The core mandate of the EUDR is clear: companies must demonstrate that their in-scope products (including c ocoa, coffee, soy, palm oil, wood, rubber and cattle ) were not produced on land deforested after 31 December 2020. This requires full traceability down to the plot of land and submission of the DDS. The initial steps – collecting coordinates and plugging them into a digital system - are the 'easy bit'. They demonstrate an intent  to comply. However, a static database of supplier coordinates is only a point-in-time reference. The reality is that high-risk agricultural supply chains are dynamic. Deforestation is a continuous and evolving process driven by numerous local pressures (not least the unintended consequences of EUDR driving small holders to sell to unregulated markets). Compliance under EUDR is a continuous monitoring obligation. Relying solely on historical data or sporadic checks will inevitably lead to a situation where a company is technically non-compliant without knowing it. The consequence is not just a regulatory slap on the wrist, but substantial fines (up to 4% of EU turnover), severe reputational damage and the potential exclusion of entire product lines from the European market. The UK, meanwhile looks likely to align its regulation alongside the EU, meaning potential double jeopardy for commodity importers. What real-time alerts really mean The true test of a company’s EUDR readiness is its Deforestation Alert Response Protocol. Leading digital due diligence systems integrate satellite monitoring to continuously check supplier geolocation data against tree cover loss. When a potential deforestation event is detected on or near a sourced plot, an automatic alert is triggered. This alert is the moment of truth that separates compliance leaders from those who merely submitted their paperwork. For an unprepared company, this alert exposes a fatal flaw: the chasm between the digital notification and the physical reality on the ground. A satellite alert, even a high-confidence one, is meaningless without a validated, on-the-ground procedure to determine two critical factors: Attribution: Was the clearing done by the identified supplier for the EUDR commodity, a neighbouring farmer or an unrelated third party (e.g. illegal logging or land speculation)? Legality and cause: Was the clearing for agricultural expansion of the relevant commodity or for a non-EUDR-related purpose (e.g. infrastructure development)? Without established protocols and trusted local partnerships, a company cannot verify these facts quickly. This inability to act adds confusion, rather than clarity, with every single alert. This exposes the biggest flaw in systems like these – if you don’t know what’s happening, and you don’t have the resources to address it, you can’t mitigate risk. The missing link This issue moves the conversation beyond just data collection to the far more complex and crucial challenge of remediation. The majority of companies will be unprepared for this local complexity because they lack two essential components: trusted partnerships and standardised remediation processes. The necessity of trusted local partnerships The supply chain for high-risk commodities, such as palm oil, soy and cocoa, originates in complex jurisdictions with intricate land-use laws and varied socio-economic conditions. Effective remediation requires: Local language and cultural expertise:  Needed to effectively and fairly engage smallholders, local mills and community leaders. Knowledge of local legality: A deep understanding of national land tenure laws, which are an explicit requirement of the EUDR’s legality criteria (covering land use rights, labour rights, and Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC)). Verification field teams:  Teams on the ground who can quickly and accurately visit the coordinates, verify the nature of the clearing and document the evidence to auditable standards. Digital compliance solutions alone cannot solve problems rooted in human and legal geography. An integrated approach must connect the satellite data stream directly to regional expertise – this integration of technology and local knowledge is the only way you can respond in the right way. Standardised remediation and mitigation If deforestation is verified and attributed to a supplier, the response must be immediate and transparent. A failure of due diligence is not just a failure to detect risk, but a failure to mitigate it and make things right. Does the company have: A clear grievance mechanism? Defined restoration or corrective action plans for non-compliant areas and suppliers? A plan for providing capacity-building and support to help smallholders and suppliers prevent future non-compliance? These are complex questions, but simply cutting and running from a non-compliant supplier, a practice that often merely shifts the deforestation problem to other non-EU markets, is unacceptable under the spirit of the EUDR. Competent authorities expect to see documented evidence of due diligence, which includes an attempt at mitigation and remediation before considering market exclusion. The importance of integrated systems Compliance doesn’t mean simply having a data portal and some satellite monitoring – it's about having a system that converts data into audited, defensible action. The threat is not just a fine, but a total loss of access to the European market. Getting the initial due diligence submission right is essential, but it’s only the start of the process. The next, and most defining, challenge is building the resilient infrastructure that allows an organisation to confidently, quickly and effectively address any non-compliance. Getting compliant is a necessary first step; staying compliant through verifiable, on-the-ground remediation is the next challenge and one businesses must be ready for.

Swedish biotech start-up Melt&Marble has raised €7.3 million in Series A funding, to scale production of its precision-fermented ‘designer fat’ ingredients. The round was led by Swedish deep-tech investor Industrifonden, with participation from the European Commission’s European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund and strategic partners Beiersdorf and Valio. Further backing came from Chalmers Ventures and Catalyze Capital. The EIC Accelerator also supported with an additional €2.5 million grant in 2024, bringing funding to a total of €10 million over the past year. Melt&Marble, which is headquartered in Gothenburg, produces ingredients designed to provide sustainable and high-performance alternatives to conventional oils and fats. The market opportunity for oils, fats and lipids relevant to Melt&Marble’s platform is currently said to be worth more than $100 billion. The company is targeting both the food and personal care industries – in food, applications include meat and dairy alternatives, chocolate confectionery, bakery and specialised nutrition. Traditional fats such as palm and coconut oil, and animal-based sources, are often associated with challenges regarding performance, supply chain volatility and environmental impact. Melt&Marble’s precision fermentation platform aims to address this, offering tailored, animal-free fat structures designed to unlock ‘superior functionality,’ including enhanced texture and mouthfeel in food applications. With the new funding, the company will move from demo to market-ready, with its first ingredients set for commercial launch in personal care applications initially, from 2026. Production volumes will be delivered through an existing commercial manufacturing partner to ensure capex-light scalability. Alongside focusing on Europe, Melt&Marble is also preparing for food market entry in the US, where regulatory pathways currently allow for faster deployment. The start-up is also eyeing other regions for further expansion. Collaboration on co-development products with partners is currently underway as the company looks toward its next phase of growth, supported by this latest funding milestone. Thomas Cresswell, CBO of Melt&Marble, said: “We’re entering a new era where fats and lipids are no longer seen as commodities alone, but also as precision ingredients that can drive performance, improve health and support sustainability”. “With the support of our visionary partners, we are now in a position to bring this new generation of ingredients to market, designed with intention to meet the demands of modern food and personal care.” Susanna Kallio, vice president at Valio, said that food produced through cellular agriculture methods such as precision fermentation will be “a significant part of our future food system”. She added: “To advance cellular agriculture solutions, collaboration between established companies and start-ups is essential. Melt&Marble’s designer fats, produced via cellular agriculture, are full of potential for developing new, interesting products for the store shelf and injecting dynamic new concepts into our food system.”

Kallø, a player in the natural food sector and part of Ecotone UK, has announced the launch of its latest product: Apple & Cinnamon Puffed Oat Cakes. This new variant aims to enhance the brand's breakfast snack offerings and cater to the increasing demand for healthier, convenient snacking options. The Apple & Cinnamon Puffed Oat Cakes will be available at Waitrose, joining the existing flavours of Strawberry and Honey. Priced at £2.99 for a jumbo pack, these oat cakes are positioned as a nutritious alternative to traditional cereal bars and biscuits, appealing to health-conscious consumers seeking better-for-you snacks. Crafted from a blend of puffed oats, apple concentrate and cinnamon, the new product reflects Kallø’s commitment to using simple, natural ingredients with minimal processing. Each cake is gluten-free and contains fewer than 37 calories, making it a light, high-fibre snack choice. Notably, the oat cakes are enriched with beta-glucan, a dietary fibre known for its cholesterol-lowering properties. Charlea Price, Kallø's brand controller, said: “As a brand, we’re consistently looking to push the boundaries and challenge the snacking category with innovations that are both tasty and nutritious. We know Apple & Cinnamon is a much-loved flavour profile that will appeal to culinary-curious shoppers who want a wholesome, sweet snack.” The versatility of Kallø Puffed Oat Cakes allows them to be enjoyed straight from the packet or topped with various fresh ingredients, making them an ideal option for busy mornings or mid-morning breaks. Kallø’s reputation as an innovator in the natural food space is reinforced by its B Corp certification, which highlights its commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. The brand prides itself on using clean, natural ingredients devoid of artificial colours, flavours or preservatives, aligning with the growing consumer trend towards transparency in food sourcing and production.

Hero UK&I has announced the integration of Deliciously Ella into its portfolio, effective 1 January 2026, following the acquisition of the rapidly growing plant-based brand in September 2024. This latest move aims to bolster Hero's presence in the UK snacking market, catering to consumers across all age stages, from toddlers to adults. Deliciously Ella, known for its all-natural snacks and breakfast options, will enhance Hero's existing offerings, which include the Organix range of organic baby foods and Goodies snacks for preschoolers. The integration aims to position Hero as a leader in the healthier snacking segment, providing a seamless product journey for consumers at every life stage. Matthew Mills, CEO of Deliciously Ella, will take on the role of country manager for Hero UK&I, overseeing the integration and growth of both brands. Mills expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration: “Our partnership with Hero UK&I will allow us to reach even more customers with our growing line-up of delicious, healthier alternatives. We have great synergies and shared values, which will be instrumental as we strengthen our position in the wider healthier snacking market.” The integration will also see key leadership changes within Hero UK&I. Alongside Mills, Rachel Keffen will step into the role of finance director, while Georgina Pattison, currently managing director at Deliciously Ella, will become the commercial director. This new leadership structure aims to ensure cohesive operations as Hero UK&I seeks to capitalise on the growing demand for nutritious snacking options. With Deliciously Ella's impressive track record – selling over 150 million natural, plant-based products and boasting the largest social media following among plant-based brands – Hero is well-positioned to expand its reach in the competitive UK market. Hero UK&I operates a diverse portfolio of brands, including Corny, Beech-Nut and Organix, and aims to use high-quality ingredients that meet the evolving needs of health-conscious consumers.

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.