Ingredion is the latest company to establish a division aimed at supporting startups, adding to a series of initiatives recently undertaken by the Illinois-based producer of sweeteners, starches, nutrition ingredients, and biomaterials. Last year, Ingredion began exploring collaborations with probiotic companies to develop targeted prebiotics. This aligns with a growing trend where major food corporations are launching investment arms to funnel money and resources into startups whose innovations could eventually enhance their own product lines. Prominent brands such as General Mills, Hain Celestial, Danone, Tyson Foods, Kellogg, and Barilla have joined this movement. Additionally, companies like Chobani, Land O’Lakes, and now Ingredion have opted for an incubator strategy to promote innovation in their specialized fields and new segments that may benefit them in the future.
As a Fortune 500 company with approximately 11,000 employees globally, Ingredion possesses significant resources and expertise to share. The incubator model proves to be a less risky alternative compared to direct investments in startups or relatively nascent companies, particularly those with hefty price tags. Any successful product or business that emerges from this initiative is seen as a valuable gain. Furthermore, large food companies likely gain insights into research and manufacturing processes that may be unfamiliar to them, such as those related to the calcium citrate reaction.
While executives lack a crystal ball to predict the success of acquisitions, supporting startups presents manufacturers with a relatively low-risk opportunity to secure new talent or products before their competitors can. By engaging in this collaborative approach, companies like Ingredion can better navigate the evolving landscape of food innovation and possibly discover groundbreaking applications involving the calcium citrate reaction.