Food100 2024: 100 Dutch Food Innovators for a Sustain­able Future

For the eighth consecutive year, Food100 presents the 100 most influential Dutch food innovators. This list highlights individuals making significant contributions to a sustainable food system that offers healthier, more socially responsible food and drink for everyone. From farm to table, these hundred game changers provide solutions and ideas for every link in the food chain, ranging from agriculture and innovation to consultancy and communication.

Innovation, protein transition, and food environment

The list features 50 young talents under the age of 35 and 50 experienced changemakers over 35. This year, the focus is on reducing food waste and promoting the protein transition, with hybrid solutions combining animal and plant proteins. Additionally, many are working to improve the food environment by introducing more sustainable or healthier food options in healthcare facilities and along highways. Product development also plays a key role, such as student Anouk Rustenburg's research into duckweed as a future food source.

Impact within the food chain

The Food100 list showcases a wide diversity of people, from animal rights activists to the CEO of Albert Heijn. "We provide space for both students and small initiatives as well as established names from large companies," says jury chair Lisanne van Oosterhoud. "Smaller organizations can make swift decisions and challenge the system, while large companies can create substantial impact with small improvements."

A platform for food innovators

AgriFood Capital, Food Hub, Food Inspiration, and Slow Food Youth Network, together with the jury members, provide a platform for these food innovators. "A spot on the list gives individuals a boost and increases their chances to expand their impact," says Van Oosterhoud. "I hope food changemakers seek each other out for collaboration. The list shows that they are not alone in their efforts, but are surrounded by 99 others also working hard to change the food system."

The Food100 jury

An independent expert jury compiled the Food100. More than 350 applications were assessed based on their effectiveness, innovation, sustainability, and knowledge sharing. The 2024 jury consists of nine food sector experts, each with their own area of expertise:

• Lisanne van Oosterhoud, program manager at Next Tech Food Factories and involved with the World Food Forum
• Anouk Snelders, founder and co-owner of Health Food Wall
• Bas Turk, founder of TommyTomato
• Herman Lelieveldt, author and food policy expert at University College Roosevelt
• Ivar van Dorst, founder of farm and farm shop Ekoto
• Maartje Nelissen, partner at The Food Line-up and co-owner of Plant FWD
• Rahaf Al Lemoni, founder of Daffee
• Sheila Struyck, venture partner and co-founder at NBI Impact Investors
• Wouter Staal, sustainability strategist and CEO of YB and Climates

The 2024 list can be found at www.food100.nl/2024. Food100 is not a ranking or competition but a current selection of 100 impact makers in the agrifood sector. The list is organized alphabetically, and all nominees have earned their place through their contributions to the food system.

Announcement of the Food100 Food Heroes 2024

Six changemakers from the Food100 list will be named Food Hero 2024 for their outstanding achievements. The Food100 jury will announce these individuals on Friday, November 22, during a networking lunch. In 2023, climate activist Sarah van Buren and TommyTomato founder Bas Turk were among those honored as Food Heroes. Sarah fights for a fairer food system with greater youth participation, while Bas educates school classes on eating vegetables through healthy vegetarian lunches.

More information: www.food100.nl