pladis launches global Accelerator Programme to support startups in food tech, health, and sustainability

pladis, the company behind McVitie’s, GODIVA, and Ülker, has launched a new Accelerator Programme to support emerging startups within the food technology, health, and sustainability sectors. The initiative aims to identify and mentor businesses developing breakthrough solutions in response to shifting consumer demands, including the needs of an aging global population and the growing emphasis on sustainable food sourcing.

Founded in 2016, pladis will leverage its entrepreneurial experience and fast-growth expertise to provide selected startups with mentorship from senior leadership, covering global expansion, product design, branding, and commercialization strategies. The program also offers opportunities for pilot projects and co-development, allowing startups to validate their innovations in real-world market environments.

The Accelerator Programme will focus on three key areas of innovation. Personalized nutrition for over 50s and younger generations will involve developing functional and fortified snacks tailored to support long-term health and vitality in older adults, as well as products that provide essential nutrition for children’s growth and development. Advancing functional foods will drive innovation in functional snacks, nutraceuticals, and AI-driven product development to enhance wellness, beauty, and overall health. Future ingredients will explore precision fermentation, upcycled ingredients, and plant-based products to create more sustainable and nutritious snacking experiences.

The open call for applications begins on 18 March 2025, and will run until 31 May 2025, with final selections announced by 30 June 2025. The program is open to businesses worldwide, and interested companies can apply directly or inquire via acceleration@pladisglobal.com.

Jennifer Moss, Chief Research & Development Officer at pladis, highlighted the company’s commitment to fostering industry innovation. "We are excited to launch the Accelerator Programme as part of our continued to driving transformative change within food tech, health and sustainability," she said. "We are a young company ourselves and our leadership team has experience in scaling a global business and bringing to market innovative products. The people running this program were the people who were integral in making our business what it is today. We want to share the insights we’ve learned to collaborate directly with visionary startups, powering the next era of breakthrough ideas.”

Through the program, selected businesses will gain direct access to key players within the food-tech, retail tech, and innovation ecosystems, including industry leaders, corporate partners, and venture professionals. The Accelerator Programme is powered by Yildiz Ventures, the innovation and strategic growth arm of Yildiz Holding, pladis’ parent company. Yildiz Ventures is dedicated to supporting startups shaping the future of food tech, retail tech, wellness, and sustainability.

In addition to launching this initiative, pladis also sponsored this year's FoodTech500, further reinforcing its commitment to fostering innovation within the food technology sector. For more details on the Accelerator Programme, visit pladisglobal.com or contact acceleration@pladisglobal.com.