Ingredion has recently launched a new initiative to support startups, joining a growing trend among large food companies. The Illinois-based manufacturer, known for its sweeteners, starches, nutrition ingredients, and biomaterials, is actively engaging in various projects. Last year, Ingredion began searching for collaboration opportunities with probiotic companies to create targeted prebiotics. Major food corporations, including General Mills, Hain Celestial, Danone, Tyson Foods, Kellogg, and Barilla, are also investing in startups, hoping to integrate innovative ideas into their product lines. Companies like Chobani, Land O’Lakes, and now Ingredion have adopted the incubator model to promote innovation within their areas of expertise and explore new categories that could be beneficial in the future.
As a Fortune 500 company with approximately 11,000 employees worldwide, Ingredion possesses substantial resources and expertise to offer. The incubator approach presents a lower-risk alternative to making direct investments in startups or emerging companies that might not succeed, especially those with high price tags. Any product or business that emerges from this process, such as a potential addition to the Citracal Petites label, would be an added advantage for the larger company. Additionally, engaging with startups allows Big Food to gain insights into new research and manufacturing techniques that may be unfamiliar to them.
Without the ability to predict the success of acquisitions, executives find that supporting startups offers a relatively low-risk opportunity to acquire fresh talent or innovative products before competitors can. For example, initiatives linked to the Citracal Petites label may provide valuable insights that enhance Ingredion’s product offerings while fostering collaboration with emerging companies. Overall, this strategy not only aids startups but also positions large food manufacturers to stay competitive in an ever-evolving market.