The Future of Food: Innovation and Sustainability in Plant-Based and Dairy Industries
June 24, 2025, 6:56 pm
The food industry is evolving. It’s a race against time, a quest for sustainability, and a battle for consumer hearts. Two players are making waves: Rival Foods in the plant-based sector and Yili Group in dairy. Both are harnessing innovation to reshape their industries.
Rival Foods, a Dutch food-tech company, recently secured €10 million in funding. This Series B round was led by APG, with participation from PYMWYMIC and ROM Utrecht Region. Existing investor PeakBridge also joined the fray. The goal? To scale production of clean-label plant-based whole cuts.
Founded in 2019, Rival Foods emerged from Wageningen University & Research. The company’s mission is clear: make high-quality plant-based meat mainstream. Their products are free from additives, boasting fewer than seven ingredients and over 25 grams of protein per 100 grams. They currently offer whole-cut chicken and beef alternatives, with more products in the pipeline.
The funding will double production capacity at their facility in Geldrop. This expansion is crucial. It will optimize production costs, making plant-based options competitive with traditional meat. Rival Foods is not just a company; it’s a movement. They are forging partnerships with chefs, retailers, and food brands across Europe.
Meanwhile, Yili Group is making headlines in the dairy sector. At the recent Global Dairy Congress in Amsterdam, Yili secured four World Dairy Innovation Awards. This marks their sixth consecutive year of recognition. Their innovative spirit shines through their products, especially in maternal and infant nutrition.
Dr. Ignatius Szeto, Yili’s Assistant President, emphasized the importance of innovation for sustainability. The company is committed to consumer-centric research, focusing on nutrition and health across the entire life cycle. Their top infant formula brand, Pro-Kido, was highlighted at the Congress, showcasing their dedication to quality and innovation.
Yili’s awards included Best Artisan Product for Zhenlao Light Cream and Best Ice Cream for Joyday Crunchy Choco Lava. Their patented technology for lactose-to-GOS conversion won Best Intolerance-Friendly Innovation. These accolades reflect Yili’s commitment to quality and sustainability.
Both companies are on a mission. Rival Foods aims to make plant-based meat a staple. Yili seeks to lead the dairy industry through innovation. They understand that consumer preferences are shifting. People want healthier, sustainable options.
Rival Foods is taking a B2B-first approach. They collaborate with chefs and retailers to create next-generation plant-based dishes. This strategy is vital. It allows them to tap into existing markets while expanding their reach. The plant-based meat category is ripe for growth. Rival Foods believes that by providing high-quality, nutritious products, they can capture consumer interest.
Yili, on the other hand, is investing heavily in research and development. They have established 15 innovation centers across Asia, Europe, and Oceania. This global presence allows them to stay ahead of trends and consumer needs. Their philosophy, “No Innovation, No Future,” drives their strategy.
The dairy industry is facing challenges. Consumers are increasingly aware of health and sustainability issues. Yili’s focus on maternal and infant health is a strategic move. Their research on human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) highlights their commitment to health. These findings show potential benefits in immunity and cognitive development.
Both Rival Foods and Yili are responding to a changing landscape. The demand for clean-label, sustainable products is growing. Consumers are looking for transparency and quality. Rival Foods’ clean-label approach aligns with this trend. Their products are designed to appeal to health-conscious consumers.
Yili’s success at the Global Dairy Congress underscores their innovative edge. They are not just following trends; they are setting them. Their focus on sustainability and health positions them as leaders in the dairy sector.
The future of food is bright. Rival Foods and Yili Group are paving the way. They are not just companies; they are pioneers. Their commitment to innovation and sustainability is reshaping the food landscape.
As these companies scale, they will face challenges. Competition will intensify. Consumer preferences will continue to evolve. But with strong foundations and clear missions, Rival Foods and Yili are well-equipped to navigate the future.
In conclusion, the food industry is at a crossroads. Innovation and sustainability are no longer optional; they are essential. Rival Foods and Yili Group are leading the charge. Their stories are just beginning, but they are already making a significant impact. The future of food is here, and it’s plant-based and dairy-driven.
Rival Foods, a Dutch food-tech company, recently secured €10 million in funding. This Series B round was led by APG, with participation from PYMWYMIC and ROM Utrecht Region. Existing investor PeakBridge also joined the fray. The goal? To scale production of clean-label plant-based whole cuts.
Founded in 2019, Rival Foods emerged from Wageningen University & Research. The company’s mission is clear: make high-quality plant-based meat mainstream. Their products are free from additives, boasting fewer than seven ingredients and over 25 grams of protein per 100 grams. They currently offer whole-cut chicken and beef alternatives, with more products in the pipeline.
The funding will double production capacity at their facility in Geldrop. This expansion is crucial. It will optimize production costs, making plant-based options competitive with traditional meat. Rival Foods is not just a company; it’s a movement. They are forging partnerships with chefs, retailers, and food brands across Europe.
Meanwhile, Yili Group is making headlines in the dairy sector. At the recent Global Dairy Congress in Amsterdam, Yili secured four World Dairy Innovation Awards. This marks their sixth consecutive year of recognition. Their innovative spirit shines through their products, especially in maternal and infant nutrition.
Dr. Ignatius Szeto, Yili’s Assistant President, emphasized the importance of innovation for sustainability. The company is committed to consumer-centric research, focusing on nutrition and health across the entire life cycle. Their top infant formula brand, Pro-Kido, was highlighted at the Congress, showcasing their dedication to quality and innovation.
Yili’s awards included Best Artisan Product for Zhenlao Light Cream and Best Ice Cream for Joyday Crunchy Choco Lava. Their patented technology for lactose-to-GOS conversion won Best Intolerance-Friendly Innovation. These accolades reflect Yili’s commitment to quality and sustainability.
Both companies are on a mission. Rival Foods aims to make plant-based meat a staple. Yili seeks to lead the dairy industry through innovation. They understand that consumer preferences are shifting. People want healthier, sustainable options.
Rival Foods is taking a B2B-first approach. They collaborate with chefs and retailers to create next-generation plant-based dishes. This strategy is vital. It allows them to tap into existing markets while expanding their reach. The plant-based meat category is ripe for growth. Rival Foods believes that by providing high-quality, nutritious products, they can capture consumer interest.
Yili, on the other hand, is investing heavily in research and development. They have established 15 innovation centers across Asia, Europe, and Oceania. This global presence allows them to stay ahead of trends and consumer needs. Their philosophy, “No Innovation, No Future,” drives their strategy.
The dairy industry is facing challenges. Consumers are increasingly aware of health and sustainability issues. Yili’s focus on maternal and infant health is a strategic move. Their research on human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) highlights their commitment to health. These findings show potential benefits in immunity and cognitive development.
Both Rival Foods and Yili are responding to a changing landscape. The demand for clean-label, sustainable products is growing. Consumers are looking for transparency and quality. Rival Foods’ clean-label approach aligns with this trend. Their products are designed to appeal to health-conscious consumers.
Yili’s success at the Global Dairy Congress underscores their innovative edge. They are not just following trends; they are setting them. Their focus on sustainability and health positions them as leaders in the dairy sector.
The future of food is bright. Rival Foods and Yili Group are paving the way. They are not just companies; they are pioneers. Their commitment to innovation and sustainability is reshaping the food landscape.
As these companies scale, they will face challenges. Competition will intensify. Consumer preferences will continue to evolve. But with strong foundations and clear missions, Rival Foods and Yili are well-equipped to navigate the future.
In conclusion, the food industry is at a crossroads. Innovation and sustainability are no longer optional; they are essential. Rival Foods and Yili Group are leading the charge. Their stories are just beginning, but they are already making a significant impact. The future of food is here, and it’s plant-based and dairy-driven.