The Food Tech industry in the UK has experienced remarkable growth in startup activity, funding, and investor attention, with London as a central hub for renowned companies. This has been positioning the UK as a potential powerhouse for Food Tech innovation in Europe with prominent players like Deliveroo, Hello Fresh, and Huel which have gained international acclaim.
Additionally, the UK boasts a thriving AgriTech ecosystem that leverages data to revolutionise farming and food supply chains. This ecosystem encompasses various categories, including consumer-focused apps and services, food delivery, food processing, food safety and traceability, smart kitchens and technology for restaurants, the next generation of food and beverages, and waste and surplus food management.
Join us as we uncover this curated list of 10 promising UK FoodTech startups, all established post-2017, that are pushing the boundaries of taste, health, and sustainability.
Supplant: Cambridge-based innovative startup that creates new ingredients using renewable fibre resources, which major consumer product companies use to make healthier and sustainable products. Their pioneering product, Supplant sugars from fibre, enables treats to maintain their taste and appearance while offering the benefits of being lower in calories, having a reduced glycemic response, and providing prebiotic advantages. Established in 2017, Supplant has successfully raised a total funding amount of over €38.5 million.
Julienne Bruno: Headquartered in London Julienne Bruno goes beyond traditional plant-based offerings, pushing boundaries through exploration, creativity, and delightful discoveries. By combining innovative techniques with simple, natural ingredients, they showcase the exhilarating possibilities of plant-based cuisine. With a firm belief that plant-based gastronomy represents the most thrilling and dynamic realm in culinary exploration, Julienne Bruno has made significant strides since its establishment in 2020, securing above €6.5 million.
Flybox: Headquartered in London, Flybox is an agri-tech company dedicated to revolutionizing sustainable food production in the UK. Their groundbreaking Grow technology offers a sustainable and readily available solution for supermarkets, farmers, and food producers. By utilizing this innovative technology, organic waste is transformed into valuable insect-based protein and fertilizer. This approach provides farmers with a high-quality source of feed and enrichment directly on their land. Flybox specializes in insect-based technology, enabling the transformation of waste into premium protein and frass for animal feed. Since its establishment in 2020, Flybox has successfully raised a total funding amount of over €1 million.
The Smart Container Company: London-based The Smart Container is transforming the beverage industry’s supply chain with their IoT device “KegTracker”. By connecting circular packaging options such as kegs to the internet, they offer transparency, insights, and operational excellence. Their technology is applicable to a wide range of beverages, including beer, cider, wine, cocktails, milk, kombucha, and cold-brew coffee, among others. Founded in 2020, The Smart Container Company has raised a total funding of above €1.9 million.
Collectiv Food: London-based Collectiv Food is a rapidly growing food supply company revolutionizing urban food access and distribution. They source quality products directly from a vast network of farms, ensuring freshness and consistent delivery. With a greener last-mile delivery approach, they offer significant cost savings and prioritize quality, transparency, and sustainability. They serve diverse professional kitchens and have gained support from industry experts and leading venture investors. Collectiv Food aims to lead the transition to a fair and sustainable food supply chain for the cities of tomorrow. Founded in 2017 it has raised a total of €17.8 million.
Foodsteps: London-based Foodsteps is a trusted leader in offering environmental footprint data and environmental labels to food companies. Their cutting-edge Foodsteps Platform empowers food companies to effectively monitor and enhance the sustainability of their products throughout the supply chain. Additionally, the platform enables the creation of customer engagement tools that drive positive change. Foodsteps is dedicated to helping the food sector significantly reduce its carbon footprint through its innovative platform. Founded in 2018 it has raised over €4 million.
Gardin: London-based Gardin aims to revolutionise farming by creating an operating system that enhances crop yields, nutrition, and quality. Their advanced platform utilises optical remote sensing technology, machine vision, and analytics to optimise plant physiology and improve farming operations. With end-to-end control, Gardin reduces waste, increases efficiency, boosts profit margins, and promotes healthier consumption by measuring the nutritional content of food. Founded in 2020 it has raised a total funding of around €11 million.
MOOTRAL: Abertillery-based MOOTRAL is an AgriTech company that is developing innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and antibiotic usage in agriculture. Their natural feed supplement, Mootral Ruminant, effectively reduces methane emissions from ruminant animals using a proprietary blend of garlic and citrus extracts. MOOTRAL aims to facilitate a positive transition to climate-smart agriculture, benefiting farmers and industry partners while addressing environmental concerns. Founded in 2020, the company has raised over €2.5 million in funding.
Lucky Saint London-based Lucky Saint specializes in alcohol-free beer, offering a range of services that include superior unfiltered lager and heritage brewing for modern drinking experiences. Their beer remains unfiltered to ensure maximum flavour while being completely free of alcohol. With a golden hue and exceptional taste, Lucky Saint’s alcohol-free lager delivers a delightful drinking experience. Founded in 2018, they have raised over €11 million.
TRIP: London-based TRIP allows you to experience a moment of serenity. As the leading premium CBD brand in the UK, TRIP offers next-generation wellness products crafted with CBD and enhanced by adaptogens, empowering you to embrace relaxation and discover your best self. Committed to quality, TRIP provides vegan, gluten-free products with no added sugar. Embrace blissful days with TRIP. Founded in 2018, the company has raised over €20 million.
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