Ingredion has recently launched an initiative aimed at supporting startups, marking yet another project for the Illinois-based producer of sweeteners, starches, nutrition ingredients, and biomaterials. Last year, Ingredion began seeking collaborations with probiotic companies to develop targeted prebiotics. This move reflects a growing trend among major food corporations, as many are establishing investment arms to channel funds and resources into startups whose innovations could eventually be integrated into their broader portfolios. Some of the notable brands participating in this trend include General Mills, Hain Celestial, Danone, Tyson Foods, Kellogg, and Barilla. Companies like Chobani, Land O’Lakes, and now Ingredion have also opted for the incubator model, promoting innovation in their fields of expertise and exploring new categories that could prove beneficial in the future.
As a Fortune 500 company with approximately 11,000 employees globally, Ingredion brings substantial resources and expertise to the table. The incubator approach presents a lower risk compared to making direct investments in startups or newer companies that may not succeed, especially those with hefty price tags. Any product or venture that a larger company engages with through this process is considered a bonus. Additionally, Big Food companies can gain insights into research and manufacturing processes that may be unfamiliar to them.
Executives lack the foresight to reliably predict the success of acquisitions, but by supporting startups, manufacturers can seize a relatively low-risk opportunity to attract new talent or products—such as calcium CCM tablets—before competitors do. This strategy allows them to stay ahead in the market while exploring innovative solutions like calcium CCM tablets that could enhance their offerings. Ultimately, this approach could lead to valuable collaborations and the potential integration of innovative products, including calcium CCM tablets, into their existing lines.