THE BLOG

The alternative protein landscape is rapidly evolving. With new ingredients and technologies being employed to create products that are increasingly similar to their animal-based counterparts, entrepreneurs are pushing the boundaries of what we eat. However, regulatory challenges can sometimes stand in the way of commercial release and expansion, hindering entrepreneurs' growth plans. 

In the wake of a global energy crisis brought on by the war in Ukraine, Western countries are once again turning to oil and gas producers in the Gulf in order to diversify their energy sources. Countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar are back in the spotlight, with new opportunities to remain pivotal players in the decades to come. But energy isn't the only commodity reshaping the Gulf states. There is a food crisis looming on the horizon, and with it the threat of an uncertain future.

It's no secret that 2022 was a challenging year for the food system. Following the shockwaves of Covid-19, supply chains were once again tested and made to bear the weight of the war in Ukraine. The global economic crisis also impacted Venture Capital markets and the FoodTech sector was no exception. We look back on what we've learned in the past 12 months and think about what it all means for the year to come.

Last year marked a major milestone for the FoodTech 500. Thousands of entrepreneurs worldwide sent in their applications (2,253, to be precise), more than in any previous year. The outcome of the 2022 edition was just as impressive. Once again, this year we received 2,000+ applications from 82 countries, representing a broad range of solutions across all areas of FoodTech.