Forward Fooding Blog Feed
FoodTech in 2025: The Great Recalibration
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.
Capital Efficiency in Vertical Farming: Innovating for Scalable Growth
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.
FoodTech 500 Spotlight: The North American FoodTech Landscape
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.
The FoodTech 500 Alumni News Round-up (August – September Edition)
Check out what some of the FoodTech 500 Alumni have been up to lately with our latest round-up (August - September 2025 Edition)
What’s New in the 2025 FoodTech 500 – Applications Now Open!
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.
How Food Structuring Technologies Enhance Performance and Nutrient Delivery
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.
