Martin Braun-Gruppe To Invest in Innovative Food Startups
Martin Braun-Gruppe, the food division of the internationally active group Geschwister Oetker Beteiligungen KG, decided to start investing in startups in the areas of “Alternative Ingredients”, “Better-for-You”, “Bakery Applications” and “Services and New Ideas” or to promote joint product development.
The decision comes with the establishment of its new business model in the form of Martin’s Bakehouse, a corporate venture capital company bringing together start-ups and innovators in the industry and drive new products and services.
“Consumers are increasingly paying attention to the nutritional value of the food they enjoy. But raw materials are not easy to replace. Because of food regulations, it takes a long time for a new, alternative raw material to be approved. Another challenge is that consumers don’t want to compromise on texture and taste,” explains Dr. Detlev Krüger, Chairman and CEO of Martin Braun-Gruppe and Member of the board of Geschwister Oetker Beteiligungen KG. “Baking is our very own DNA and Martin’s Bakehouse will act as a strategic platform for pioneers to help our industry move into the future.”
Martin Braun-Gruppe receives support in its ambitions through a partnership with StartLife, Europe’s most experienced start-up accelerator in the agricultural and food technology segment. Particular opportunities are seen in the field of fermentation: Fermentation has been an essential part of food production for centuries. Advances in technology are opening up new possibilities for food production.
Headquartered in Hanover, Germany, Martin Braun-Gruppe develops, manufactures and distributes a complete range of convenience products for the baking, confectionery and foodservice industries. The group supplies wholesalers and retailers, bakeries, confectioners as well as catering and industrial businesses worldwide. Today, Martin Braun-Gruppe employs more than 2,500 people at 22 locations and is represented with a wide range of products in all relevant distribution channels in more than 70 countries.