SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rabobank, the world’s premier food and agribusiness bank, has selected 10 companies to demo at FoodBytes! San Francisco, a pitch competition meets networking event that brings food, agribusiness, beverage and tech startups together with investors, executives and industry leaders.
From cricket protein bars to lab-grown seafood to a healthy food vending machine, these cutting-edge companies from around the world are pioneering the future of food and agriculture. Each company will have the opportunity to give a five-minute pitch followed by five minutes of Q&A with the audience of investors, media, thought leaders and entrepreneurs at FoodBytes! San Francisco on June 16.
The 10 demo finalist companies to pitch at FoodBytes! San Francisco are:
- Byte – Byte helps feed the millions of office workers stranded in “food deserts” – defined by the USDA as parts of the country vapid of fresh fruit, vegetables and other healthful whole foods – by using RFID-enabled refrigerators to sell fresh food 24/7.
- Chapul – Chapul represents the introduction of edible insects into Western cuisine as a healthy and sustainable protein. Chapul has international distribution of an award winning line of gourmet energy bars containing a signature protein powder derived from crickets.
- HarvestPort – HarvestPort is a shared economy marketplace for seasonally used agricultural equipment, allowing farmers the option to save renting equipment for peak needs, and earn off-season lending idle assets.
- Imperfect Produce – One in five fruits and vegetables grown in the U.S. go to waste because they don't meet cosmetic standards. Imperfect Produce works directly with farmers to find a home for this "ugly" produce through a produce delivery subscription in the Bay Area. And because this produce looks a little funny, their prices are 30-50% less expensive than grocery stores.
- New Wave Foods – New Wave Foods is a leader in sustainable seafood. Their mission is to create food that is healthier and better for the environment while providing ingredients for outstanding culinary experiences.
- Olakai, Inc. – In the Hawaiian language, Olakai means "health from the sea." With a mission of building transformative technologies to bring sustainably grown foods from our oceans to people everywhere, Olakai also aims to enhance plant culture and cultivation in saltwater aquaponic systems.
- Salty Girl Seafood, Inc. – Salty Girl Seafood was founded out of a love for the ocean and the belief that serving sustainable, traceable seafood dishes should be fun and easy. Their seafood is portioned and entirely traceable back to the fishermen or fishing community where it was caught.
- Seamore – Seamore has launched “I sea pasta,” a 100% seaweed product that resembles tagliatelle pasta. Seamore aims to unlock the true potential of the world's most sustainable food: seaweed.
- Soliculture – Guided by the belief that greenhouse growing is critical to the future of agriculture because of the pressures of climate variability, Soliculture helps reduce the capital costs associated with greenhouse growing by integrating solar technology into greenhouse roofs. With strong connections from Silicon Valley to the Salinas Valley, Soliculture is poised to aid growers in generating fresh produce and electricity – efficiently!
- The Salad Bar Nutrition Company – The Salad Bar offers a new way for healthy professionals to get veggies while on-the-go. Both of their delicious flavors, Carrot Spice & Kale Quinoa, deliver a full serving of veggies, a ton of fiber and don't have any added sugar.
“With nearly 200 applicants, we’re thrilled to announce the 10 finalists that will share their innovative businesses at FoodBytes! San Francisco,” said Manuel Gonzalez, Head Western Region, Rabobank North America Wholesale and Founder of FoodBytes! “It’s great to see such a wide variety of startups that are eager to share their food and ag tech innovations with the world. We’re excited to give the stage to these companies to highlight their passion and amazing ideas.”
Rabobank has selected several additional runners-up to give 60-second pitches during the opening reception of FoodBytes! San Francisco including Foodfully, genuine grub, Hazel Analytics, MeWe, ShopWell, Six Foods, Waiakea, Willow Cup, and Charborn.
Other startups that are interested in pitching at the event will be given the opportunity to register for the open mic session on the day of the event.
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About Rabobank
Rabobank Group is a global financial services leader providing wholesale and retail banking, leasing, real estate services, and renewable energy project financing. Founded over a century ago, Rabobank is one of the largest banks in the world, with nearly $1 trillion in assets and operations in more than 40 countries. In North America, Rabobank is a premier bank to the food, beverage and agribusiness industry. Rabobank's Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory team is comprised of more than 80 analysts around the world who provide expert analysis, insight and counsel to Rabobank clients about trends, issues and developments in all sectors of agriculture.
