We are having an Indian summer here in France for the 4^th cohort of ToasterLAB. Our new batch of startups are taking stock with the help of their mentors and experts. And the sun is also shining on our previous cohorts who have given us great feedback on what they have achieved since their acceleration. To give them, and you, a bit of food for thought, here is our latest bulletin of FoodTech and AgTech web-based news.

 

 

Supermarkets and organic farming cooperatives have something in common: their distribution model is being disrupted by e-commerce players. Amazon and the newcomer, Aurore Market, have grasped that consumer purchasing expectations are changing and they appreciate the added flexibility of e-commerce. Other lunchtime food for thought: Sodebo innovates with its FREEGO connected vending machines.

 

 

 

 

A retail giant is jumping into urban agriculture. City-based farms are clearly a hot topic at the moment with players from throughout the food value chain. Other news in AgTech – Africa is set to lead the race towards sustainable agriculture, “tailor-made” microbes to replace chemical fertilizers, and the French state promises to invest in the “post-glyphosate” future.

 

 

 

Future food factories: traceability from the field to the supermarket

• Report: Blockchain in Agriculture and Food Supply Will Be Worth $430 Million
• EggTrack, the tool for companies committing to cage-free eggs (in French)
• Europe’s largest retailer is teaming up with IBM for blockchain-based tech to track chickens, eggs, and tomatoes to protect against salmonella outbreaks
• Plant-Based Yogurt Lavva on Reinventing Supply Chains 
• 2 advantages for food business to innovate in their supply chain (in French)

 

 

The new cohort of ToasterLAB already has its first acceleration sessions under its belt. The time is now right to meet the mentors and experts that will offer them their valuable advice. Between two sessions, here are a few ideas for further reflection.