Next Food Collective

What Next Food Collective does

Next Food Collective is a Dutch public-private partnership organization founded in May 2023 from the merger of four legacy food research networks (TiFN, SFI, PCC, and CCC), headquartered in Wageningen, Netherlands. It operates as a coordination platform and program accelerator rather than a single product company, designing and leading large-scale impact programs that connect scientific research with real-world industry practice across the Dutch food value chain. The organization has 50+ named partners across three thematic pillars — Sustainable Agriculture (most prominently the ReGeNL program targeting 1,000 farmers in regenerative practices by 2031, backed by 129 million euros from the Dutch National Growth Fund against a 230M euro total budget), Sustainable Processing (Future Proof Foods Programme, Biotechnology Fermentation Factory at NIZO campus in Ede built with GEA, FERMI fermentation research), and Healthy Nutrition & Wellbeing (HOME Impact Programme, MOCIA cognitive aging research). Its partner ecosystem spans leading Dutch and global food companies (FrieslandCampina, Cosun, Agrifirm, Unilever, Danone, dsm-firmenich, Lidl, Ferrero, Roquette, IFF, Bel Group, Flora Food Group, Novonesis), financial institutions (Rabobank), and research institutions (Wageningen University & Research, VU Amsterdam, TU Delft, Maastricht University, University of Groningen, Utrecht University).

The organization's business model is membership-based and program-driven: companies and knowledge institutions join through signed partnership agreements, and revenue is generated through recurring partnership contributions as well as program-specific public-private co-investment (notably National Growth Fund and NWO grants). Programs are delivered through collaborative governance structures including a Supervisory Board, Core Partner Board, and program-specific steering committees. The team is small — fewer than 25 named individuals across management, theme directors, and coordinators — with a major leadership transition underway in 2026 as founding Executive Director Marian Geluk departs and Senior Director Albertine van Wolfswinkel (ex-Cargill, Nutricia/Danone, Unilever) takes over the ReGeNL program. Operational metrics reported include 162 farmers participating in ReGeNL (exceeding initial targets), 140 farmers connected to agricultural advisors, 1,000+ farmers trained, 6 innovation projects underway, and a MOCIA lifestyle trial with 1,200+ participants. Next Food Collective is not AI-native: AI is used as a supporting capability within specific programs (behavioral science in HOME, sensors and AI in Synergia) without proprietary model development. Revenue is not publicly disclosed, and the 129M euro grant is programmatic co-investment flowing largely to consortium partners rather than retained income.

Name

Next Food Collective

Legal name

Next Food Collective

Website

https://nextfoodcollective.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

2023

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Next Food Collective is a Dutch public-private partnership platform, founded in 2023 from four legacy food research networks, that coordinates large-scale impact programs (ReGeNL, FERMI, BFF, MOCIA, HOME) across sustainable agriculture, processing, and nutrition with 50+ corporate, academic, and government partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sustainable Food System Innovation Programs

akta.pro primary industry

Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems (Fair Trade, Food Access, Regenerative) (BPAGALAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Nutrition & Food Security (Global Health) NGOs (HLAJAKAH), Bioprocessing & Fermentation Manufacturing (Bioreactors, Scale-Up, Toll/CMO) (AFANAKAF), Food Systems & Value Chain Development for Nutrition (BPADAJAG)

Keywords

• Public-private partnerships
• Sustainable food systems
• Regenerative agriculture
• Food innovation programs
• Agri-food collaboration

Headquarters

HQ city

Wageningen

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Public-Private Partnership Funding: Next Food Collective operates as a membership-based collaboration platform funded through public-private co-investment. Partners contribute to joint programs and projects. Major initiatives like ReGeNL receive substantial government funding (129M euros from National Growth Fund) combined with private sector contributions.
2. Program-Specific Funding: Individual programs attract dedicated funding streams. ReGeNL secured 230M Euro total budget with contributions from National Growth Fund and consortium partners. FERMI project is funded by NWO (Dutch Research Council).

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Next Food Collective is a Dutch public-private partnership accelerator that designs and leads large-scale impact programs connecting scientific insights with real-world experience across the food value chain. The organization convenes companies, knowledge institutions, and government to run coordinated programs in regenerative agriculture, sustainable processing, and healthy nutrition and wellbeing, anchored by flagship initiatives such as ReGeNL, the Future Proof Foods Programme, HOME Impact Programme, FERMI, MOCIA, Synergia, and the Biotechnology Fermentation Factory (BFF).

Product overview

Next Food Collective is a collaborative platform that designs and leads large-scale impact programs connecting scientific insights with real-world experience across the food value chain. The organization operates as a consortium-based structure rather than a single unified product, encompassing multiple distinct programs and initiatives. Key offerings include ReGeNL (regenerative agriculture program targeting 1,000 farmers by 2031), the Future Proof Foods Programme (with Top 100 Sustainable Products platform), and the HOME Impact Programme (1000 Households for healthy eating habits). Research initiatives include FERMI (plant-based protein fermentation), MOCIA (cognitive health), Synergia (technology-4-ecology farming), and several nutrition-focused projects (CarboSupport, Sweet Tooth, Restructure, Meta-Pro). The biotechnology fermentation factory (BFF) provides open-access pilot scale-up facilities. These programs collectively span sustainable agriculture, sustainable processing, and healthy nutrition & wellbeing themes.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ReGeNL: National program driving transition to profitable regenerative agriculture, supporting farmers in adopting practices that combine food production with restoration of soil, biodiversity, and climate. Aim to transition 1,000 farmers by 2031.
• FERMI
• FERMI Project
• HOME Impact Programme
• 1000 Households Programme
• Top 100 Sustainable Products

Products and services

• ReGeNL A regenerative agriculture impact program coordinated by Next Food Collective, designed to accelerate the transition to regenerative agricultural practices across the Netherlands, with a 129 million euros allocation from the National Growth Fund.
• Future Proof Foods Programme A sustainable food program combining research and industry collaboration to develop future-proof food products, paired with the Top 100 Sustainable Products platform that showcases validated sustainable products.
• HOME Impact Programme (1000 Households) A real-world impact program engaging 1000 households to study and validate healthy and sustainable nutrition behaviors in everyday settings.
• Biotechnology Fermentation Factory (BFF) A biotechnology fermentation facility and program that supports research and scale-up of fermentation-based food and ingredient innovations within Next Food Collective's portfolio.
• FERMI Project A fermentation research program within Next Food Collective's sustainable processing theme, advancing science and applications of fermentation for the food value chain.
• MOCIA A research program focused on cognitive health within Next Food Collective's healthy nutrition and wellbeing theme, connecting scientific insights with dietary and lifestyle interventions.
• Synergia A smart farming program within Next Food Collective's sustainable agriculture theme, focused on connecting and optimizing data-driven farming practices.
• CarboSupport A research project within Next Food Collective's portfolio addressing carbohydrate-related nutritional support and sustainable processing solutions.
• Sweet Tooth A research project within Next Food Collective's portfolio focused on sugar reduction, taste perception, and healthier sweet-tasting food product development.
• Restructure A research project within Next Food Collective's sustainable processing theme, focused on restructuring food products for improved nutritional and sustainability profiles.
• Meta-Pro A research project within Next Food Collective's portfolio focused on metabolic health and protein-related nutrition science.
• 1000 Farmers initiative A farmer-engagement initiative within Next Food Collective's sustainable agriculture theme that convenes 1000 farmers to test and scale regenerative and sustainable farming practices.
• Top 100 Sustainable Products platform A showcase and selection platform that highlights validated sustainable food products, operated as part of the Future Proof Foods Programme.

Quantifiable outcome

• 162 farmers participating in ReGeNL program, exceeding initial targets
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

59 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• NIZOcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 April 2026Leading food research company hosting the Biotechnology Fermentation Factory (BFF) at its campus in Ede. NIZO collaborates with GEA on open-access fermentation scale-up facility for precision and biomass fermentation technologies. Part of CAN Growth Fund program.
• GEAcoreTechnology or Integration · 30 April 2026Turnkey partner selected by NIZO to deliver the full process line for the Biotechnology Fermentation Factory (BFF). GEA provides process technology for fermentation scale-up, supporting food companies in bringing innovations to market.
• VitenssupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Largest water company in the Netherlands recently joined ReGeNL, bringing water management expertise to regenerative agriculture initiatives.
• Verstegen SpicessupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Spice and seasoning company recently joined the ReGeNL consortium, contributing to sustainable ingredients and processing.
• VU AmsterdamcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 September 2024Joined Next Food Collective in September 2024. VU contributes expertise in food fermentation chemistry, nutrition and health impact, sustainability of food production, and novel food innovation barriers. Herwig Bachmann leads FERMI project at VU.
• FrieslandCampinacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024One of the world's leading dairy cooperatives and founding partner of Next Food Collective. FrieslandCampina contributes to ReGeNL regenerative agriculture program, Future Fit Dairy Initiative (FFDI) with Arla, Danone, dsm-firmenich, and Rabobank, and supports farm sustainability strategy development. Sanne Griffioen (Director Farm Sustainability) serves on NFC Supervisory Board.
• CosuncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Agri-food cooperative developing plant-based ingredients including Tendra fava bean protein and beet-based solutions. Cosun is active in sustainable food processing innovation and regenerative agriculture. Marie Dobenesque (CSO) serves on NFC Supervisory Board.
• AgrifirmcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Royal Agrifirm Group is a global agricultural cooperative providing sustainable nutritional solutions. Els Willems (Global R&D Director Feed & Specialties) serves on NFC Core Partner Board representing Agrifirm. Fanny Weinbreck previously served as Chair of Core Partner Board.
• RabobankcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Leading Dutch bank and financial institution active in food and agriculture financing. Rabobank is a key partner in ReGeNL, providing financial instruments and support for farmers transitioning to regenerative agriculture. Part of Future Fit Dairy Initiative (FFDI).
• Wageningen University & ResearchcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024World-leading agricultural and food research university and founding partner of Next Food Collective. WUR collaborates on ReGeNL, FERMI project, Synergia, and numerous other programs. Fred Beekmans (Strategy Director WFBR) serves on Core Partner Board.
• UnilevercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Global consumer goods company and founding partner of Next Food Collective. Thor Tummers (External Affairs Netherlands) serves on NFC Supervisory Board. Manfred Aben served as founding Supervisory Board Chair. Unilever involved in regenerative agriculture, circular economy, and food system transformation.
• Maastricht UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Contributes expertise through NUTRIM (Institute of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism) focused on metabolic health, gut health, and healthy aging. Daisy Jonkers serves as scientific director. Active in MOCIA program and 1000 Households initiative.
• DanonecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Global food company and founding partner involved in nutrition and healthy food solutions. Part of Future Fit Dairy Initiative (FFDI). Erwin Meijer serves on NFC Core Partner Board. Hosted Partner Event 2024 at Research & Innovation Center in Utrecht.
• dsm-firmenichcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Global science-based company in nutrition, health, and beauty. Anne Arink (Head of Innovation and R&D Ingredient Solutions) serves on NFC Supervisory Board. Hosted Partner Event 2025 at Rosalind Franklin Biotechnology Center in Delft. Active in Future Fit Dairy Initiative (FFDI) and fermentation technologies.
• University of GroningencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Research university collaborating on ReGeNL program development alongside WUR, Utrecht University, and Next Food Collective.
• Utrecht UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Research university collaborating on ReGeNL program development alongside WUR, University of Groningen, and Next Food Collective.
• Wij.landsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partner in ReGeNL network contributing to regenerative agriculture transition efforts.
• HerenboerensupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partner in ReGeNL network focused on cooperative farming models supporting regenerative agriculture.
• BoerenNatuursupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partner in ReGeNL network representing farmers engaged in nature-inclusive agriculture.
• CSA NetworksupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partner in ReGeNL network representing Community Supported Agriculture initiatives.
• ToekomstboerensupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partner in ReGeNL network representing future farmers focused on sustainable agriculture.
• ZLTOsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Agricultural organization partner in ReGeNL representing farmers in southern Netherlands.
• AeressupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Green education institution offering full pathway in agricultural education. Patricia de Cocq serves as ad interim Director of Higher Education and chairs Centre of Expertise Groen (CoE Groen), providing human capital perspective in ReGeNL.
• HAS green academysupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024University of applied sciences partner within Centre of Expertise Groen (CoE Groen) collaborating on practice-oriented research in agriculture and food.
• Van Hall LarensteinsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024University of applied sciences partner within Centre of Expertise Groen (CoE Groen) focused on green education and research.
• InhollandsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024University of applied sciences partner within Centre of Expertise Groen (CoE Groen) for green research collaboration.
• LidlsupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2024European retailer participating in ReGeNL pilot for regenerative dairy, committing to 30 additional farmers (60 total in program). Retail partnerships are essential for scaling regenerative agriculture.
• DUYNIEsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partner emphasizing importance of collaboration in valorizing side streams from food production, supporting circular economy goals.
• NAJK (Nederlandse Akkerbouw Jongeren)supportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Young farmers organization involved in True Value Language (TVL) initiative redefining agricultural value through consistent sustainability measurement.
• BO AkkerbouwsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Arable farming sector organization chaired by André Hoogendijk, serving as Chair of ReGeNL Steering Committee.
• JOGGsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Organization scaling Healthy Primary School of Future model, highlighting importance of early interventions in nutrition education.
• FEAST2030supportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Initiative by Louis Bolk Institute shaping pathways for tasty, healthy, and sustainable diets in Europe.
• Flora Food GroupsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Plant-based food company participating in FERMI project consortium focused on fermentation of plant-based proteins.
• RoquettesupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Global leader in plant-based ingredients participating in FERMI project for plant protein fermentation research.
• IFFsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Ingredients and flavors company participating in FERMI project consortium for plant protein fermentation.
• FerrerosupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Confectionery and food company participating in FERMI project consortium.
• BrannaturasupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Food ingredients company participating in FERMI project for plant protein fermentation.
• The Mediterranean Food LabsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Food innovation company participating in FERMI project consortium.
• ArlasupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024European dairy cooperative part of Future Fit Dairy Initiative (FFDI) with FrieslandCampina, Danone, dsm-firmenich, and Rabobank.
• Bel GroupsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Dairy and plant-based cheese company participating in FERMI project consortium.
• NovonesissupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Biosolutions company (formerly part of Novozymes) participating in FERMI project for fermentation technologies.
• Radboud University Medical CentresupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Academic partner in MOCIA research program for cognitive function in aging, collaborating on lifestyle intervention studies.
• University of TwentesupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Technical university participating in MOCIA program and Synergia project for technology-4-ecology farming.
• HAN University of Applied SciencesupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024University of applied sciences contributing to MOCIA research program on cognitive health.
• University Medical Centre GroningensupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Academic medical center participating in MOCIA program for lifestyle interventions and cognitive function research.
• Alzheimer NederlandsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Patient organization supporting MOCIA research program on cognitive decline prevention.
• Hersenstichting NederlandsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Brain health foundation supporting MOCIA program for cognitive function research.
• ReckittsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Consumer health company supporting MOCIA research on lifestyle interventions and brain health.
• OnePlanet Research CentresupportingTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2024Research center providing e-Health technology for MOCIA program and smart sensor technology for Synergia project.
• Alzheimer Centre AmsterdamsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Specialized memory clinic participating in MOCIA cognitive health research program.
• SalutsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Health innovation company supporting MOCIA program with lifestyle intervention expertise.
• AvularsupportingTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2021Technology company providing innovation for Synergia project on smart farming systems.
• ConnecterrasupportingTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2021Agtech company providing sensor and AI technology for dairy farming monitoring in Synergia project.
• Greenport NHNsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Regional greenhouse horticulture network contributing to Synergia smart farming project.
• IMECsupportingTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2021Research institute providing microelectronics and sensor technology expertise for Synergia smart agriculture project.
• Lely Industries NVsupportingTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2021Dairy farming automation company providing technology for Synergia dairy farming use case.
• NXP SemiconductorssupportingTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2021Semiconductor company providing chip technology for smart sensors in Synergia agriculture project.
• Signify NetherlandssupportingTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2021Lighting technology company providing horticultural lighting solutions for Synergia greenhouse horticulture use case.
• Province FlevolandsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Regional government partner in Synergia project for agricultural innovation in Flevoland.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights12 records

Broad incumbents

• FrieslandCampina: Leading Dutch dairy cooperative and founding NFC partner involved in ReGeNL, Future Fit Dairy Initiative, and farm sustainability strategy. Operates commercial dairy value chain at scale that NFC's programs coordinate around.
• Cosun: Dutch agri-food cooperative developing plant-based ingredients (Tendra, beet-based solutions) and a founding NFC partner. Represents the commercial cooperative counterpart to NFC's sustainable processing and regenerative agriculture programs.
• Wageningen University & Research: World-leading agricultural and food research institution and a core NFC partner. Operates at much larger scale as a public research university and applied-research institute covering the full agrifood domain NFC addresses.
• Cargill: Global food, agriculture, and nutrition company where NFC's incoming ReGeNL Programme Director held senior positions. Comparable as a large incumbent in the same value chain where NFC runs regenerative and sustainable agriculture programs.
• dsm-firmenich: Global science-based nutrition, health, and ingredients company, founding NFC partner, host of NFC Partner Event 2025, and active in Future Fit Dairy Initiative and fermentation technologies. Comparable as a large commercial nutrition-and-fermentation player that participates in (rather than constitutes) the PPP.
• IFF (International Flavors & Fragrances): Global ingredients company participating in the FERMI consortium for plant-based protein fermentation research. Comparable as a large commercial player engaged in fermentation R&D that NFC convenes around.

Direct peers

• EIT Food: EU-funded public-private partnership that accelerates food system innovation across Europe. Closest functional analogue to NFC: multi-stakeholder convening, co-investment programs, and theme-based impact initiatives spanning sustainable agriculture, alternative proteins, and healthy nutrition.
• Cellular Agriculture Netherlands (CAN): Dutch National Growth Fund program supporting cellular agriculture and fermentation-based food innovation. Co-funds the BFF facility with NFC and shares the public-private partnership model anchored in Dutch food innovation policy.
• Food Valley: Dutch food innovation network based in Wageningen that links companies, research institutes, and government to drive food system innovation. Operates in the same Dutch ecosystem as NFC with overlapping partners (Wageningen UR, FrieslandCampina, government bodies).

Others

• Rabobank: Leading Dutch bank and financial institution active in food and agri financing, partner in ReGeNL providing financial instruments for farmers' regenerative transition. Functions as an enabler/financial partner to NFC's programs rather than a direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/next-food-collective
• Xx.com/NextFoodColl

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Next Food Collective