Accelerating Innovation in a Rapidly-Changing Industry
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Craft beer and conversation flowed freely on July 13th at Branchfood’s Summer Meet & Mingle, hosted in collaboration with our partners at JPMorgan Chase in Boston. There was certainly lots to celebrate—the networking event at Night Shift Brewing in Boston was our first in-person gathering since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020!
Throughout the evening, over 100 startup founders, corporate leaders, industry experts, and investors exchanged their perspectives on the current and future state of the food industry, highlighting opportunities that lie ahead across the supply chain. Conversations were as far-ranging as they were insightful, underscoring the dynamic nature of the industry and the need for a platform where stakeholders convene and collaborate.
Founders and investors discussed funding opportunities and swapped business cards—both groups excited about their burgeoning partnerships. At the same time, co-packers and nutritionists chatted about functional food and beverage trends, while restaurateurs asked farmers about the endless possibilities of producing vegetables in controlled environments. Corporate leaders talked about the businesses of tomorrow and the importance of engaging the entire food ecosystem.
No matter their objectives or leadership role, all participants agreed on the need for cross-sector collaboration as a means to advance sustainability, resilience, and autonomy across the food system, while addressing the needs of consumers who are increasingly aware of the impacts of their food consumption.
The animated conversation that filled Night Shift’s welcoming space showed the value of Branchfood’s community-building in an industry marked by rapid innovation and ongoing disruptions. Established and emerging companies alike benefit from strengthening ties with fellow stakeholders as information flows both up and downstream across the supply chain. Jim Andrew, PepsiCo’s chief sustainability officer summed this up: “There is still much more work to be done and we cannot do it alone, so we — in partnership with our value chain partners, communities, NGOs and government leaders — will continue investing in action, innovation and partnerships that enable us all to realize a more sustainable future,”
Curated connections and targeted insights empower businesses to stay ahead of their competitors and lead the future of food, but robust industry ecosystems do not arise by themselves. This is where Branchfood comes in. For almost a decade now, we have been accelerating innovation across all verticals of the food supply chain, fostering strategic connections and opening up a much-needed dialogue among industry stakeholders. By partnering with Branchfood, leaders from all corners of the world accelerate their growth goals and increase the likelihood of successfully innovating in a rapidly-evolving industry that is facing unprecedented challenges. And you could be one of them. Reach out to thrive in the future of food.
Anna Yankee
Anna Yankee is a Content Development Intern at Branchfood. When she is not in Boston, Anna is a ‘25 student at Hamilton College majoring in environmental studies and minoring in government. She became particularly interested in sustainable food systems while spending her junior year of high school studying in France. In her free time, Anna can be found making crêpes, exploring farmers markets, or reading—probably about food!
