Food Pioneers: three food startups each win €50,000

Kokumi, Weijnschenk, and Eese each won €50,000 in growth capital at the Food Pioneers Pitch Event. Investors at the event selected them from 16 startups that presented their products and growth plans. In their view, the three winners have the greatest growth potential. The companies can use the funding to invest in production, bringing products to market, or commercial growth.

Growth plans for investors and buyers

The event marked the conclusion of the Food Pioneers Program 2026. Sixteen food startups presented their products, market positioning, and growth ambitions to investors and buyers. Other food industry professionals also attended.

Food Pioneers offers entrepreneurs knowledge, coaching, a network, and market access. Through Broccoli’s investment platform, investors get an early introduction to new concepts and entrepreneurs looking to grow.

Additional prizes for participants

Kokumi won two additional prizes alongside the growth capital. The company will receive membership in Kitchen Republic’s network. It also won JOIN Program’s ‘Get Your Ingredient on the Menu’ prize. This brought Kokumi’s total to three prizes.

Chardy’s from Almere will also receive membership in the network. SOL is providing Leah’s Brood with a €5,000 coaching budget. Mati and Fil Foods will have their products listed with Bidfood.

Entrepreneurs share their experiences

Nicole Horsmans, co-founder of SOOF Drinks, and Daan Schapendonk, co-founder of Fruitfunk, shared their experiences as entrepreneurs. They discussed brand development and the challenges of growth. Securing and maintaining a place on supermarket shelves also came up.

The day ended with a tasting event called the Tasting Market. Visitors sampled products and spoke directly with the entrepreneurs. During the pitches and tasting event, new connections formed with investors, buyers, and other food industry players.

Foodpioneers.nl