Season 5, Post 22: Foodtech, Swedish style
It seemed fitting that the former banana warehouse in Stockholm’s harbour district was the location for last week’s Sweden Foodtech event. Now in its eighth year, over 500 participants spent up to two days learning about the future of food. Beyond having the opportunity to listen to more than 50 different speakers (of whom your author was one, participating in a panel discussion on “the financial journey of a food tech company”), visitors were able to sample emerging products at what constituted apparently the world’s largest test kitchen.
If there were two prevailing themes that recurred consistently across the conference floor, at the presentations and within the test kitchen, then the words smart and sustainable would spring most to mind. Take the former and no shortage of personalised apps were on display. The idea here is to enable consumers to make more informed decisions about their dietary choices, thinking about the calorific impact, fat content and so on of the products consumed. Food as medicine is a subject which we believe will only grow in importance. Add in the carbon footprint of different items, and there could also be a sustainability angle attached to such apps.
Almost every start-up with whom we spoke highlighted a mantra along the lines of great taste with zero waste. It’s certainly a catchy angle. In practical terms, it can often mean taking plant-based alternatives to meat, fish or dairy products and making them appear as close to the originals as possible. Many with whom we spoke believed we were now in an ‘alternative protein 2.0’ world. Consumers are increasingly more open to the idea of introducing novel products into their diets, but in order for them to become entrenched, they need to taste at least as good as those they are seeking to replicate. Eco-friendly packaging, we heard on several occasions, is also increasingly critical in terms of the product pitch for target consumers.
And what of the test-kitchen? It always pays to be open-minded. Your author has tried bugs on several occasions previously but was impressed to see mealworm cakes on display in Stockholm. Elsewhere, the buzz words seemed to be biomass and fermentation. Put another way, expect to see on supermarket shelves or restaurant tables somewhere down the line products created through the release of energy from living organisms and/ or accelerated via controlled microbial growth. Watch this space but trust you author – they can be very tasty.
6 June 2023
The above does not constitute investment advice and is the sole opinion of the author at the time of publication. Past performance is no guide to future performance and the value of investments and income from them can fall as well as rise.
Click here to view all Blog posts.
Photos taken by the author.
Alex Gunz, Fund Manager
Disclaimers
The document is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or any recommendation to buy, or sell or otherwise transact in any investments. The document is not intended to be construed as investment research. The contents of this document are based upon sources of information which Heptagon Capital LLP believes to be reliable. However, except to the extent required by applicable law or regulations, no guarantee, warranty or representation (express or implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this document or its contents and, Heptagon Capital LLP, its affiliate companies and its members, officers, employees, agents and advisors do not accept any liability or responsibility in respect of the information or any views expressed herein. Opinions expressed whether in general or in both on the performance of individual investments and in a wider economic context represent the views of the contributor at the time of preparation. Where this document provides forward-looking statements which are based on relevant reports, current opinions, expectations and projections, actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. All opinions and estimates included in the document are subject to change without notice and Heptagon Capital LLP is under no obligation to update or revise information contained in the document. Furthermore, Heptagon Capital LLP disclaims any liability for any loss, damage, costs or expenses (including direct, indirect, special and consequential) howsoever arising which any person may suffer or incur as a result of viewing or utilising any information included in this document.
The document is protected by copyright. The use of any trademarks and logos displayed in the document without Heptagon Capital LLP’s prior written consent is strictly prohibited. Information in the document must not be published or redistributed without Heptagon Capital LLP’s prior written consent.
Heptagon Capital LLP, 63 Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HS
tel +44 20 7070 1800
email [email protected]
Partnership No: OC307355 Registered in England and Wales Authorised & Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
Heptagon Capital Limited is licenced to conduct investment services by the Malta Financial Services Authority.
