Ingredion has recently established a new division aimed at supporting startups, adding to the array of initiatives the Illinois-based producer of sweeteners, starches, nutritional ingredients, and biomaterials has undertaken. Last year, Ingredion began exploring partnerships with probiotic firms to create specialized prebiotics. More and more, large food corporations are creating investment divisions to allocate funds and resources to startups, whose innovative concepts may eventually integrate into the larger company’s offerings. Prominent brands like General Mills, Hain Celestial, Danone, Tyson Foods, Kellogg, and Barilla are part of this growing trend. Additionally, companies such as Chobani, Land O’Lakes, and now Ingredion have chosen the incubator model to promote innovation, not only within their established sectors but also in new categories that could benefit them in the future.
As a Fortune 500 entity with approximately 11,000 employees globally, Ingredion possesses substantial resources and expertise to offer. The incubator strategy is significantly less risky than making direct investments in startups or newer companies, especially those with hefty price tags that may not succeed. Any product or business that emerges from this initiative is considered a bonus for the larger company. Furthermore, Big Food companies are likely to gain valuable insights into research and manufacturing that may be unfamiliar to them.
Without a crystal ball, executives cannot predict with certainty whether an acquisition will yield the desired outcomes. However, by supporting startups, manufacturers have a relatively low-risk opportunity to acquire new talent or products—such as innovative applications of webber calcium citrate—before their competitors do. This approach also allows them to explore the potential of webber calcium citrate in new product formulations, which could enhance their existing portfolios. Ultimately, engaging with startups provides a pathway to discover the utility of webber calcium citrate in various applications, enriching their offerings and staying ahead in a competitive market.