AgriFoodTech startups across the Asia-Pacific are making big waves in the 2024 FoodTech 500 rankings, driving innovation in sustainable food production, alternative proteins, precision farming, and more. With 61 APAC companies among the finalists, the region is quickly becoming a global powerhouse shaping the future of food.
Insect farming is moving from niche experimentation to commercial scale. With rising demand for alternative proteins, the sector is now focused on capital efficiency. From modular and automated farms to AI monitoring and circular feedstock integration, innovative models are proving that smarter design — not just larger investment rounds — is the key to scaling insect production sustainably and profitably. Partnerships with feed and retail sectors are further validating commercial viability, creating pathways from farm to consumer.
After reaching a staggering $71 billion globally in 2021, AgriFoodTech investment has been on a steep decline. The numbers from H1 2025 continue this trend: funding dropped from $6.5 billion across 514 deals in H1 2024 to $4.1 billion across 308 deals—a 37% funding decline and 40% fewer deals. But here's what makes this different from a typical market crash: the quality of deals is actually getting better and has shifted towards new areas.
Vertical farming has moved beyond the hype cycle. With billions raised and some high-profile setbacks, the sector is now focused on what really matters: capital efficiency. From modular farms and co-location strategies to AI optimization and renewable integration, new models are proving that smarter design — not just bigger fundraising — is the key to scaling vertical farming sustainably and profitably.
Showcasing their dominance on the global stage, North American AgriFoodTech startups consistently represent over a fifth of the finalists in Forward Fooding's annual FoodTech 500. The region's ecosystem is thriving against a backdrop of global investment challenges, fueled by landmark funding rounds and pioneering advancements in precision farming, vertical agriculture, and alternative proteins.
Check out what some of the FoodTech 500 Alumni have been up to lately with our latest round-up (August - September 2025 Edition)
The FoodTech 500 is back for 2025 with unprecedented global impact! This seventh edition offers enhanced value propositions for AgriFoodTech innovators, from elite recognition to access to 20,000+ industry professionals. With over 10,500+ applications received across six editions and reach spanning 180+ countries, join the definitive ranking of food technology leaders driving industry transformation.
The future of functional food isn't just about what ingredients we use, but how we structure them. Technologies like microencapsulation, oleogelation, and 3D food printing are solving key challenges in nutrient delivery, bioavailability, and taste, paving the way for the next generation of healthier, cleaner, and more effective food products.
The third wave of FoodTech isn’t just about better snacks or meal kits—it’s a seismic shift that blends food and pharma into one powerful health paradigm. We’re talking about personalized, pharmaceutical-grade nutrition that addresses everything from gut health to cognitive decline. Welcome to the food-as-medicine revolution.
Check out what some of the FoodTech 500 Alumni have been up to lately with our latest round-up (July 2025 Edition)
The upcycled food industry is at a turning point. With a global market size of $54 billion, the sector has shown promise but remained fragmented through isolated product launches. TransFoodMission's latest position paper reveals why the future lies in building dedicated, multi-brand upcycled food categories within retail. The Rohlik Group case study demonstrates this strategy's success, generating €120,000 in net sales while rescuing 7.3 tonnes of food surplus and avoiding 51 tonnes of CO2 emissions in just four months.
Forward Fooding celebrates the selection of 12 pioneering startups for the inaugural pladis Accelerator Programme. From water lily popcorn to sugar-converting enzymes, these innovations represent the future of snacking, addressing obesity, sustainability, and personalized nutrition through cutting-edge food technology.
Predictive modeling powered by AI and machine learning is transforming food formulation and manufacturing. From simulating ingredient interactions to optimizing production processes, these tools are helping companies cut R&D time by up to 60%, reduce waste, and make smarter data-driven decisions.
We’re witnessing a groundbreaking shift in the global food system, driven by the Ag Biotech revolution. From bioengineered crops to carbon-sequestering farms, this wave of innovation is making our agriculture more sustainable, resilient, and productive.
Check out what some of the FoodTech 500 Alumni have been up to lately with our latest round-up (June 2025 Edition)
2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the alternative coffee and chocolate industry. With over €300M raised in funding and major retail inroads, the sector is gaining serious ground. But can pricing and consumer habits keep up with innovation?
The 2024 FoodTech 500 features a dynamic cohort of new companies redefining food and agricultural technology. These rising stars are innovating across the entire food value chain, with significant impacts in areas like agricultural biotechnology, sustainable protein production, waste reduction, and the application of digital solutions.
A new report by Rebread, "Crumbling the Barriers Vol. II," analyzes food waste reduction efforts across 50 European retailers, focusing on bread and bakery waste. It spotlights innovation trends and the emerging role of upcycled food in the retail sector, aligning with circular economy principles.
Check out what some of the FoodTech 500 Alumni have been up to lately with our latest round-up (May 2025 Edition)
In a world facing mounting pressure to feed growing populations while addressing climate change, (Bio)tech-enabled Food Manufacturing has emerged as one of the most promising frontiers within what we, at Forward Fooding, call the Wave 3.0 of FoodTech innovation.
Food waste is no longer just a global crisis—it’s a missed opportunity. Dive into how innovative technologies and circular strategies are reshaping the future of food by turning byproducts into premium, sustainable ingredients.
Meet the European startups dominating the 2024 FoodTech 500 list, clinching over half of the spots in the rankings. From biotech to sustainable ingredients, European innovators are reshaping the future of food with bold ideas, green tech, and serious investment traction.
Check out what some of the FoodTech 500 Alumni have been up to lately with our latest round-up (April 2025 Edition)
Female-founded AgriFoodTech startups have risen in recent years, with women consistently outperforming in capital efficiency. The 2024 FoodTech 500 features over 170 women-led and women-founded companies pioneering solutions across alternative proteins, supply chain innovation, and food waste reduction. These leaders are reshaping our food systems with unique perspectives and approaches.
Forward Fooding is proud to share Canada's inaugural Foodtech Ecosystem Report, developed in partnership with the Canadian Food Innovation Network [...]
Check out what some of the FoodTech 500 Alumni have been up to lately with our latest round-up (March 2025 Edition)
Tim Ingmire, VP of Global Innovation & Technology at pladis, discusses how the snacking giant is supporting early-stage startups in foodtech, health, and sustainability through their accelerator program. Learn about their focus on personalized nutrition, functional foods, and future ingredients to bring innovative, delicious products to consumers worldwide.
Forward Fooding hosted the unveiling of the 2024 FoodTech 500 ranking at Google's London headquarters, bringing together the brightest minds and most innovative companies in the AgriFoodTech sector to celebrate achievements and discuss industry trends.
The 2024 FoodTech 500 rankings are out! Discover key industry trends, investment insights, and sustainability impacts from the world’s most innovative startups.
Ahead of the 2024 FoodTech 500 rankings unveiling, our ambassadors provide expert perspectives on navigating the 73% drop in global investments, the rise of transformative technologies like precision fermentation and AI-driven agriculture, and the critical role of diversity in leadership. Despite current challenges, these industry leaders remain optimistic about FoodTech's potential to drive sustainable transformation in our global food system.
FoodTech in 2024 is entering a new phase—Wave 3.0—focused on circularity, sustainability, and biotech-driven solutions. Despite a funding downturn, key sectors like Ag Biotech, personalized nutrition, and sustainable ingredients are gaining traction. Here’s how the food industry is transforming for the future.
Since its inception, the FoodTech 500 has served as a vital pulse check for the global AgriFoodTech ecosystem. Analysis of the FoodTech 500 ranking over the years reveals transformative shifts: the rise of biotech innovation, increased focus on climate action, growing founder diversity, and evolving funding patterns. Get a sneak peek of the 2024 results and what they tell us about the future of food.
Check out what some of the FoodTech 500 Alumni have been up to lately with our latest round-up (February 2025 Edition)
Bio-engineered crops are transforming agriculture, offering drought-resistant solutions amid climate change. Explore the latest advancements, key technologies, and emerging startups driving this revolution.
Check out what some of the FoodTech 500 Alumni have been up to lately with our latest round-up (January 2025 Edition)
Soil degradation poses a significant challenge to ecosystems and global food security. Fragile soils in desert and water-scarce environments are particularly vulnerable to the combined pressures of human activity and climate change, which can threaten agricultural productivity and biodiversity. This third installment of our Water Tech series examines how these technologies are building resilience in agricultural systems worldwide by improving soil health.
The AgriFoodTech sector had a tough year in 2024, facing unprecedented challenges that continue to reshape the industry landscape. Some companies that were once at the top of their game succumbed to the economic downturn. We looked into some of the biggest AgriFoodTech struggles of 2024, what’s behind the failures, and what are the key learnings to help guide the industry’s future.
OFFICES
LONDON (UK hub): 36-40 York Wy, N1 9AB, London (UK)
BARCELONA (SP hub): Passeig del Mare Nostrum, 15, 08039, Barcelona (SP)
ROME (Satellite office): Via Marsala, 29H, 00185, Rome (IT)
SITEMAP
Copyright ⓒ 2015 – 2025 All rights reserved.
Forward Fooding Ltd
