Italian food is famous around the world. Pizza, pasta, lasagna – we all eat it, we all love it. But over the recent years, also Italy’s FoodTech sector has been gaining momentum.
The industry is witnessing a surge of innovative startups that are infusing fresh vitality into its traditional landscape. These startups, predominantly focused on downstream innovation and food delivery, are reshaping the traditional landscape, aligning with the broader European trend. Nevertheless, the key to their success lies in the swift adoption of sustainable business models and technological advancements.
In this article, we dive into Italy’s thriving FoodTech scene, exploring the most common verticals that dominate the ecosystem. From innovative food delivery platforms and precision agriculture technologies to smart kitchen solutions and sustainable packaging, these startups are revolutionising the gastronomic landscape. By embracing sustainability and harnessing the power of technology, they not only ensure the preservation of Italy’s esteemed global reputation for excellence and quality but also forge new paths for growth and triumph in the market.
We present 10 of the most promising FoodTech startups with the potential to reshape Italy’s food sector. In our research, we focused on startups that were founded between 2017 and 2023.
Ittinsect – Feed for the Ocean: Headquartered in Rome, Ittinsect plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability in aquaculture through the production of a specialised feed made from agri-food by-products. By harnessing the power of ingredients like yeasts, microbes, and insect powders, Ittinsect effectively eliminates the need for nutrients sourced from the ocean. The company’s primary focus lies in creating an aquaculture feed that boasts exceptional nutritional efficiency, thereby promoting improved health for farmed fish while simultaneously benefiting the environment. Established in 2021, Ittinsect has secured €900k in funding.
Deliveristo: Headquartered in Milan, Deliveristo is a leading online marketplace serving the global Horeca sector (Hotels, Restaurants, Cafés). This pioneering platform empowers chefs and restaurateurs to effortlessly connect with suppliers, simplifying the ordering process to be fast, convenient, and highly efficient. As a B2B Foodtech marketplace, Deliveristo plays a vital role in bridging the gap between Ho.Re.Ca. establishments and their trusted suppliers. Founded in 2017, the young company has secured a total funding of €12.6 million.
Planet Farms: Founded in 2018 and based in Milan, Planet Farms is a vertical farming company that enhances the flavour of vegetables through careful seed selection and advanced technology. Their innovative vertical cultivation system optimises key parameters to deliver delicious and nutrient-rich greens. Addressing challenges related to urbanisation, food safety, accessibility, water scarcity, land use, and traceability, Planet Farms combines cutting-edge technology with traditional Italian agronomy. They provide a scalable solution for the year-round availability of affordable, high-quality greens with minimal environmental impact. Since its establishment, Planet Farms has raised a total funding of €17.5 million.
Babaco Market: Milan-based Babaco Market offers a subscription service that delivers unique and extraordinary fruits and vegetables to your doorstep. These products, may not meet the standards set by conventional channels, making them at risk of going to waste. However, Babaco Market ensures that they find their way to your table by delivering them in a convenient box. Not only does this provide you with the goodness of nature, but it also plays a crucial role in reducing food waste. Since its establishment in 2020, Babaco Market has successfully raised a total funding amount of €8.1 million.
FrescoFrigo: Based in Milan, FrescoFrigo is dedicated to the advancement and distribution of an unmanned, dependable, and plug-and-play smart fridge. Their extensive software suite for Automated Operations and Advanced Analytics guarantees a smooth user experience. This groundbreaking product is specifically tailored to meet the needs of workers, offering fresh and premium-quality products. By integrating state-of-the-art technology and automated proximity selling, FrescoFrigo strives to elevate daily routines and encourage healthier eating habits. Since its establishment in 2018, the company has successfully raised a total funding amount of €2.7 million, further fueling its innovative endeavours.
The Circle is an innovative company at the forefront of technology, revolutionising food production while minimising waste and pollution. Through their implementation of aquaponics, they seamlessly combine fish breeding and vegetable growth, resulting in high yields and rapid growth. Founded in 2017, this sustainable company, located near Rome, operates with a strong commitment to positive environmental impact. Spanning a two-hectare plot, TheCircle’s facilities include greenhouses and vegetable gardens, which synergistically interact within a vineyard, exemplifying their pioneering approach to productive and eco-friendly development.
Dog Heroes: Milan-based Dog Heroes provides customized home recipes of fresh, portioned meals that cater to the specific dietary requirements of dogs. Each meal is carefully prepared using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. The recipes consist of 55% meat, sourced exclusively from Italy, and are perfectly balanced with vegetables, essential vitamins, and mineral salts. Dog Heroes takes pride in their commitment to using natural ingredients and refrains from incorporating any chemical additives or preservatives into their meals. Founded in 2019 it has raised a total of €3.2 million.
Bi-rex: Milan-based Bi-rex patented technology, rooted in the core principles of the circular economy, enables the transformation of industrial by-products from the agri-food chain into valuable raw materials suitable for various industrial purposes. This innovative technology is characterized by its simplicity, scalability, and sustainability. By utilising these materials, namely cellulose and chitin, as alternatives to plastic, they aim to contribute to the preservation of our planet. These substances hold immense market potential, amounting to billions of dollars, and can be applied across multiple sectors. Founded in 2020 they raised €160k in funding so far.
TomaPaint: Parma-based TomaPaint is dedicated to transforming the metal food packaging industry. They achieve this by harnessing the power of bio-resin derived from industrial tomato processing by-products. With their innovative bio-lacquer, which is produced using this bio-resin, TomaPaint provides a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic coatings. By applying this bio-lacquer to the internal and external surfaces of metal food containers, they offer not only environmental advantages but also promote improved health outcomes. TomaPaint’s mission is to revolutionize the industry by offering cutting-edge solutions that prioritise sustainability and the well-being of both consumers and the planet. Founded in 2019 it has raised a total of €2.1 million.
3Bee: Milano-based 3Bee, a pioneering company in Europe, leads the way in providing biodiversity services. They specialise in measuring and regenerating ecosystem biodiversity, utilising a unique fusion of nature and technology. By employing advanced sensors, analysis tools, and regenerative activities, they actively contribute to the preservation and promotion of biodiversity. With a strong mission to harmonise technology and nature, 3Bee is committed to creating a sustainable world through innovative environmental solutions that have a positive impact. Founded in 2017 the startup has raised a total funding amount of €6.2 million.
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