Ingredion has recently launched an initiative aimed at supporting startups, adding to the various projects undertaken by the Illinois-based producer of sweeteners, starches, nutrition ingredients, and biomaterials. Last year, Ingredion began exploring partnerships with probiotic companies to create targeted prebiotics. This trend is increasingly seen among large food corporations, which are establishing investment arms to channel funds and resources into startups whose innovations could eventually be integrated into their broader portfolios. Major brands like General Mills, Hain Celestial, Danone, Tyson Foods, Kellogg, and Barilla are part of this movement. Additionally, companies such as Chobani, Land O’Lakes, and now Ingredion are adopting an incubator strategy to stimulate innovation within their specialized fields and explore new categories that may benefit them in the future.
As a Fortune 500 company with around 11,000 employees globally, Ingredion possesses substantial resources and expertise to offer through this incubator model. This approach is significantly less risky than making direct investments in startups or relatively new companies that might not succeed, especially those requiring a large capital outlay. Any product or business that a larger company engages with through this initiative is considered an added advantage. Furthermore, Big Food companies likely gain valuable insights into research and manufacturing processes that may be unfamiliar to them.
While executives cannot predict the success of acquisitions with certainty, supporting startups presents manufacturers with a relatively low-risk opportunity to acquire new talent or products before their competitors do. For example, through their efforts in innovation and investment, Ingredion may explore opportunities to incorporate ingredients such as calcitrate 200 mg and 950 mg into their offerings, enhancing their product line and staying competitive in the market. By fostering relationships with emerging companies, Ingredion can potentially bring new innovations, including calcitrate-based products, into their portfolio, positioning themselves ahead in the industry.