Sproudz: Revolutionizing Plant-Based Food Innovation in Switzerland

In the heart of Switzerland, a groundbreaking initiative is set to transform the food industry. Sproudz, a unique hub in the Bern district, is poised to propel plant-based food innovation to new heights. This dynamic ecosystem will provide startups from the food industry with the resources, facilities, and support they need to bring their innovative plant-based products to life.

Unlocking the Potential of Swiss Agriculture

Fostering Sustainable Growth

Sproudz is more than just a shared production facility; it's a collaborative platform that empowers startups to scale their business models cost-efficiently. By offering rental space, shared production facilities, and a suite of joint services, Sproudz creates an environment where young companies can thrive. From procurement and quality management to logistics and human resources, startups can access the resources they need to streamline their operations and focus on innovation.

Harnessing the Power of Swiss Raw Materials

The driving force behind Sproudz is the fenaco cooperative, a leading player in the Swiss agricultural industry. Recognizing the growing demand for plant-based products, fenaco aims to promote the use of Swiss agricultural raw materials and optimize the refinement of by-products from its processing plants. This strategic move not only supports the local economy but also aligns with the hub's mission to create a sustainable and self-sufficient food ecosystem.

Pioneering a Unique Model in Switzerland

Sproudz's innovative approach sets it apart from traditional incubators and accelerators. By granting startups minority shares in the operating company, the hub fosters a collective interest in its success. This unique ownership structure empowers the young companies to have a significant influence over the hub's management, ensuring their needs and priorities are at the forefront.

Attracting Trailblazers in Plant-Based Innovation

The Sproudz hub has already attracted the attention of two pioneering startups from the Bern region. BakeryBakery AG, Switzerland's first vegan bakery with a growing branch network, and Outlawz Food AG, a producer of plant-based meats, have committed to relocating their production operations to Zollikofen by late 2024. These trailblazers in the plant-based food industry are instrumental in shaping the hub's vision and driving its success.

Transforming By-Products into Valuable Foodstuffs

The Swiss food industry is experiencing a surge of innovation, particularly in the realms of plant-based offerings and food upcycling. Startups are leading the charge, transforming by-products from the food industry into valuable foodstuffs. However, many of these young companies face challenges in scaling their operations due to the lack of suitable production environments and efficient utilization of industrial facilities.

Unlocking Synergies and Optimizing Resources

Sproudz addresses these challenges by providing startups with access to shared production, warehouse, and office infrastructure. This collaborative approach not only conserves resources but also enables cross-company synergies. As Kevin Schmid, the founder and main owner of BakeryBakery AG and Outlawz Food AG, explains, "It doesn't make sense for each start-up to set up its own, half-utilized production facility. Thanks to the hub, we can utilize cross-company synergies. This conserves resources and gives us a lot of flexibility."

Strengthening the Domestic Value Chain

Sproudz's mission extends beyond supporting startups; it aims to strengthen the domestic value chain in Switzerland. By leveraging fenaco's network and experience, the hub seeks to close gaps in the local food industry and find solutions that allow startups to utilize raw materials from Swiss agriculture. As Michel Nick, responsible for innovation in the Food Industry Division, states, "We want to use our network and our experience to close gaps in the domestic value chain. At the same time, we want to find solutions so that the cost structures of start-ups allow the use of raw materials from Swiss agriculture."

Unlocking the Potential of By-Product Refinement

The collaboration with startups also presents an opportunity for fenaco to better utilize the potential for refining side streams from its own production operations. By integrating these startups into the Sproudz ecosystem, the cooperative aims to transform waste into valuable resources, further enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of the local food system.