Bright Green Partners at five: Shaping the future of AgriFood Tech

Bright Green Partners (BGP) has built an impressive reputation in AgriFood Tech over the past five years. From working with Fortune 500 companies to supporting startups, the firm has had a front-row seat to the industry’s evolution. According to Floor Buitelaar, Managing Partner, one of the key differentiators that sets BGP apart is its wholehearted commitment to seeing a positive change in the food system. “Every team member and expert we involve genuinely wants to drive impact in a way that is both realistic and actionable for our clients,” she says. This dedication drives BGP to go the extra mile.

At the same time, BGP is known for being highly pragmatic and rational, ensuring that its work is deeply rooted in industry knowledge and delivers measurable results. The company has built a reputation as an unbiased player in the AgriFood Tech space – one that seeks proof and tangible outcomes rather than relying on idealism. This approach is evident in the insights, studies, and webinars it shares, which have resonated with both clients and the broader industry.

Every team member and expert we involve genuinely wants to drive impact in a way that is both realistic and actionable for our clients

BGP has also developed a network of more than 2,500 industry experts, a significant asset in a field where knowledge moves quickly. The network has grown both organically and inorganically, starting with just 600 experts in the early days of BGP. New trends continue to bring new experts into the fold, whether through direct applications, referrals, industry events, or proactive outreach. However, what truly makes this network valuable is the depth of engagement. Buitelaar notes that BGP has conducted more than 500 expert interviews, allowing the team to quickly assess which experts are best suited for broad industry perspectives and which should be called upon for specific, niche topics.

Reaching the five-year mark is a significant milestone, especially in an industry that is constantly shifting. Reflecting on BGP’s journey, Buitelaar identifies both internal and external turning points. Internally, 2024 was a defining year, as the team’s strengths and capabilities truly came together. “We moved from being a startup that can deliver to a company where ideas can truly thrive,” she explains. This transformation allowed BGP to refine its services, making deep insights available to clients in a faster and more cost-effective way.

Externally, BGP’s reputation gained significant momentum in 2022 and 2023, as the company built a strong track record with leading organizations. The credibility from these collaborations created a snowball effect – greater recognition led to more projects, which in turn reinforced BGP’s relevance in the industry. However, Buitelaar acknowledges that no company can afford to rely solely on past achievements. “The more you understand your company’s identity, the more you realize the need to pivot and sharpen your focus as the industry evolves,” she adds.

The alternative protein and AgriFood Tech industries have gone through their share of hype cycles, funding booms, and slowdowns. BGP has adapted by broadening its focus from alternative proteins to the broader AgriFood Tech sector. “Alternative proteins are still here, but they are now seen as part of a bigger picture that includes health and sustainability solutions,” continues Buitelaar. Rather than limiting itself to alt proteins, BGP now considers a range of alternative solutions – including alt fats, alt sweeteners, and even alt coffee – within its ‘alternatives’ pillar.

When asked about standout projects that exemplify BGP’s impact, Buitelaar highlights three key areas. First, the company’s due diligence assessments have helped catalyze over €100 million in AgriFood Tech investments by providing investors with clarity and confidence. Second, BGP’s collaboration with The Good Food Institute (GFI) on a plant-based meat capacity study made crucial industry data freely accessible, further advancing the field. Finally, BGP has played a pivotal role in shaping corporate strategies – most notably, helping a major company define its sustainable ingredient strategy in early 2024, leading to tangible investment decisions.

Scaling alternative proteins and building commercially viable sustainable food systems remain key challenges. According to Buitelaar, the bottlenecks vary by segment. In novel foods, high production costs and consumer and regulatory acceptance are the biggest hurdles. Many innovative startups are now positioning themselves as collaborators rather than disruptors, which Buitelaar sees as a positive shift. Meanwhile, in the plant-based sector, consumer demands for great taste, affordability, and convenience must be balanced with sustainability priorities at the B2B and regulatory levels. “The industry is making progress, with recent innovations improving taste and cost, and European retailers setting ambitious targets,” she notes.

We need more government-backed investments, loans, and financial mechanisms to support the sector, alongside policies that make sustainable food the norm

Investor sentiment in food tech remains mixed. While some argue the market is cooling, others see it as maturing. Buitelaar believes investors are becoming more selective but remain eager to support promising companies. However, she argues that the right investors are not always at the table. “We need more government-backed investments, loans, and financial mechanisms to support the sector, alongside policies that make sustainable food the norm,” she suggests. Food, she notes, is fundamental to society and should be treated as a national priority. Without stronger public-private collaboration, progress toward a sustainable food system could slow.

Beyond alternative proteins, some emerging trends and technologies are still flying under the radar but could play a major role in the coming years. AI-driven precision agriculture and robotics, for example, are increasingly crucial, particularly given the aging farmer population in the European Union and USA. Companies such as Bonsai Robotics are already demonstrating the potential of AI vision systems in real-world farming applications. Side stream valorization is another growing area, with innovative approaches like repurposing spent yeast from precision fermentation showing how overlooked resources can drive industry growth.

As reported yesterday, as BGP celebrates five years, it is also launching new services that aim to make high-quality insights more accessible and cost-effective. Traditional consulting and research can be valuable but also expensive, as they are highly people-driven. To address this, BGP has reimagined its approach, refining internal processes, developing new frameworks, and deepening engagement with its expert network. “These innovations allow us to deliver insights faster, in structured and actionable formats, while also reducing costs,” believes Buitelaar. The goal is to provide companies with BGP’s trusted, independent perspective in a way that enables them to make smarter, faster decisions – even with limited budgets.

To mark this milestone, BGP is also offering giveaways to help companies gain access to expert insights. Buitelaar hopes to see winners from across the firm’s typical client categories: a startup, a corporate, and an investor. “If you have a pressing AgriFood Tech commercial, innovation, technical, or investment request, this is your call to sign up for the giveaway,” she enthuses.