Earlier this week, Rome played host to Next Bite 2024, a dynamic gathering of food innovators, entrepreneurs, and policymakers determined to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in the global food system. The two-day flagship event, organized by EIT Food, was held at the iconic La Nuvola conference center and brought together over 900 attendees. With sustainability, health, and food security at the forefront, the event marked a pivotal moment in the journey toward transforming Europe’s food landscape.
Setting the Stage for Change
The event’s opening plenary set a vibrant tone, with Richard Zaltzman, CEO of EIT Food, emphasizing the community’s growing ambition. “We need to think about impact—change that makes a difference,” Zaltzman remarked. His call for action reflected the event’s central theme: fostering hope, inspiration, and meaningful connections to accelerate food innovation.
EIT Food, backed by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), has long been at the forefront of driving systemic changes in food production, consumption, and distribution across Europe. Next Bite 2024 was designed as a platform where industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and policy-makers could share cutting-edge insights and build the collaborative networks needed to reshape the food ecosystem.
Richard Zaltzman, CEO, EIT Food: “The ambition for this community is growing. We need to think about impact – change that makes a difference. For this we need three ingredients: hope (e.g. the startups), inspiration (e.g. pioneer farmers, entrepreneurs), and connections.”
Key Discussions and Emerging Trends
Over the course of the event, discussions centered around three major themes: Healthier Lives Through Food, A Net Zero Food System, and A Fair and Resilient Food System. These topics were explored across multiple stages through panel discussions, debates, and hands-on workshops.
In the Healthier Lives Through Food track, experts explored the crucial link between dietary choices and overall health. Sessions such as “Microbiome Magic” and “Food as Medicine” delved into the role of nutrition in preventing chronic diseases and improving overall well-being. The conversation highlighted how science, technology, and consumer awareness are converging to create a healthier food future.
The Net Zero Food System track tackled some of the biggest challenges related to sustainability and climate change. Sessions focused on reducing food waste, promoting alternative proteins, and reforming supply chains to reduce environmental impact. Key discussions included “Protein Diversification,” where experts highlighted the importance of diversifying protein sources to enhance food security and lower emissions, as well as the potential of cultivated meats and plant-based innovations.
Meanwhile, the Fair and Resilient Food System stage addressed social and economic inequalities in food systems. Participants debated how new business models and policy frameworks could foster fairer food production practices, with a strong focus on equity, rural livelihoods, and food security. Here, the conversation underscored the need for resilience in the face of global crises like climate change and pandemics.
Celebrating Innovation and Collaboration
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of the Corporate Startup Collaboration Award, a recognition given to companies that have successfully partnered with startups to drive food system innovation. This year’s award went to Südzucker Group, the world’s largest sugar producer, which was commended for its efforts in collaborating with agrifood startups to develop sustainable solutions.
Further reinforcing the spirit of collaboration, EIT Food launched the International Alliance for Impact Data, an initiative aimed at creating internationally standardized eco-labels. This project is set to help companies and supply chains worldwide comply with a single, universally accepted environmental scoring system—a crucial step toward ensuring transparency and sustainability across the food industry.
Viktoria de Bourbon de Parme, Chief Partnership Officer, EIT Food: “We have the passion and dedication to transform our food system. Each and one of us has a unique role to play”
Empowering the Future: Startups and Innovation
Startups and innovation were at the heart of Next Bite 2024. The event recognized 15 winners of the EIT Food Accelerator Network Tech Validation Awards, providing them with funding to scale their technologies. Companies like AgroGrIN Tech, which turns agricultural by-products into bio-based ingredients, and Esencia Foods, a pioneer in mycelium-based seafood alternatives, stood out as examples of how startups are transforming food production through sustainable innovations.
The launch of a new agrifood accelerator in partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) was another key announcement. This initiative, based in Warsaw, aims to support early-stage startups across Europe, providing them access to expertise, resources, and potential investments of up to €1.5 million. The accelerator will offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to test and scale their innovations, further fueling the growth of the agrifood sector.
Looking Ahead: Building a Global Food Ecosystem
As the event drew to a close, it became clear that Next Bite was not just about addressing Europe’s food challenges; it also laid the groundwork for global collaboration. With the launch of a new hub in Brazil, marking EIT Food’s first expansion outside Europe, the network is poised to extend its influence beyond European borders. This expansion signals a broader ambition to create a worldwide ecosystem of food innovation.
By the end of Next Bite 2024, it was evident that the future of food is not just about technological advancements, but also about building resilient, equitable, and sustainable systems. The event served as a launchpad for ideas and collaborations that will shape the future of food for years to come, proving that when it comes to food innovation, the possibilities are limitless.
In a world where food systems are increasingly under pressure from climate change, population growth, and resource scarcity, Next Bite 2024 provided an essential forum for collaboration, innovation, and action. The event’s success lay not only in its ability to generate thought-provoking dialogue but also in its potential to drive tangible change. As Richard Zaltzman noted, it’s about creating impact that matters—and Next Bite 2024 did just that.
By fostering connections, spotlighting innovative startups, and catalyzing new initiatives, EIT Food is leading the charge toward a more sustainable and equitable global food system. With the lessons learned in Rome, the future of food is being shaped one bite at a time.
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