Something wild just happened in San Francisco - New Zealand’s foodtech scene finally got the global nod it deserves. For the second year running, the Future Food Aotearoa (FFA) crew turned up at Future Food-Tech (FFT), flying the Kiwi innovation flag with founders from Ārepa, Miruku, Mara Bio, Nutrition from Water™ (NXW), Opo Bio, and Daisy Lab. This time, it felt different. The world wasn’t just glancing our way, it was paying attention.
Source: Alex Worker -NXW - The Kiwi contingent at MISTA
ASB Bank backed the mission (props for that), and the biggest surprise? More than 20 people from Fonterra and the Ki Tua Fund showed up. A far cry from six years of near radio silence on the global foodtech stage. But still zero presence from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, which is odd considering food and fibres make up the bulk of NZ’s export revenue.
NZ’s nutrition startups had their moment, finally. NXW’s Mango Lassi prototype for the Indian market turned heads at MISTA, proving our homegrown biotech is capable of global impact. Angus Brown and Ārepa smashed it at the Health & Nutrition symposium, holding their own among the best.
Source: NXW - Alex Worker - NXW's Protein is in a Mango Lassi for Indian market.
Reports from Alex Worker of NXW are that FFT’s numbers felt lower than last year, but the quality of conversations? Next level. "The buzz was around startup-industry partnerships, with Danone, Ingredion, and Nestlé scouting hard. Women’s health, mood and anxiety, functional fibres, GLP-1s, and the great ultra-processed food debate dominated the chats", says Alex Worker.
Source: Alex Worker- NXW - Angus Brown - AREPA addressing MISTA audience
New Zealand’s foodtech players are on the map, but the real challenge? Scaling up. We’re seeing big interest, serious investment signals, and real traction, but it’ll take more than a few well-placed Kiwis in a San Francisco conference room to keep this momentum going.
Next year? Expect even bigger moves. NZ foodtech has cracked the door open—now it’s time to kick it wide.
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