The Natural Pavilion in Almere was entirely dedicated to the future of food on Friday 10 October. During the Food Business Conf. 2025 by Food Innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and innovators from the Netherlands and abroad came together to look forward and do forward. The conference brought together international perspectives and regional opportunities and showed how cooperation leads to acceleration in the food chain.
Whereas previous editions mainly inspired, this year the emphasis was explicitly on activation. By connecting knowledge, networks and practical experience, concrete steps were taken towards a smarter and more resilient food system.
From vision to execution
The program consisted of plenary keynotes and in-depth thematic sessions on topics including financing, growth, AI, circularity and short chains. The central question was always the same: how do you translate innovation and ambition into scalable and future-proof business models?
Entrepreneurs were given practical insights on how to appeal to investors, enter international markets and make innovation financially viable. Practical examples showed how technology, automation and storytelling are becoming increasingly important in the food sector. Topics such as food waste, sustainable partnerships and talent development were also given prominence.
Inspiring stories from entrepreneurs and experts
The keynotes gave direction to the bigger story of food transition. Willem Sodderland (Seamore) showed how seaweed can symbolise innovative thinking in food production. Robert van den Breemer (Those Vegan Cowboys) took the audience through his transition from traditional dairy to plant-based entrepreneurship. Ramon van der Tol (Rabobank) placed these entrepreneurial stories in a broader context by linking global food trends to opportunities for Dutch companies.
Focus on financing, growth and innovation
The theme sessions focused on entrepreneurship. Sander Peltenburg (Rabobank) and Pepijn Ox (Broccoli) discussed how entrepreneurs make their growth plans fundable and the role a clear story plays towards financiers. Eric Hanson and Jacqueline Kuiper (Horizon Flevoland) shared insights on international expansion and export.
Innovation and circularity were addressed through practical examples from different parts of the chain. Rein Brands (Urk Seafood) showed how AI and automation are being used in fisheries, while Jon Scobey (Compass Group) addressed creating value from food waste streams. Dimitry Loiseau and Carolina Riffi Ollite highlighted the importance of brand protection, AI-driven marketing and storytelling, including opportunities for support through grants.
Collaboration as an accelerator
A recurring theme was cooperation as a prerequisite for growth. Jeroen van IJzerloo (Food Hub) helped entrepreneurs make sharper choices in focus and strategy. Anke Bun (Impact Hub Amsterdam) showed how sustainable partnerships arise, while Sabine Beuk (Generous Minds) addressed trust and authenticity as success factors in negotiations.
Local cooperation also received attention. Carlo Verhart (Voedsel Verbindt) and Stijn Sprenkels (Social Farmer) emphasised the importance of short chains and regional connections. Margreta Barten (SOL / HR Desk) shared practical tools for attracting and retaining talent and Willeke Waller (Food Pioneers) showed how knowledge vouchers can accelerate innovation within companies.
Networking around the dinner table
The conference ended with a walking network dinner, offered by Deli Nomads and presented by Toon van Dijk, deputy of the Province of Flevoland. With locally produced dishes, collaboration was also the focus. The day was tied together by presenter Dimitry Loiseau, whose international experience and energy strengthened the connection between speakers, participants and themes.
Ten years of Food Business Conf.
The Food Business Conf. was founded ten years ago by Carolina Riffi Ollite, based on the belief that progress comes from collaboration. What started in Utrecht grew into an international platform with editions in Los Angeles, Milan and Shanghai, among others. 2025 saw the first intensive collaboration with Food Innovators, a partner that shares the same vision of entrepreneurship, innovation and chain cooperation.
"Real impact happens when we connect people and ideas across borders. By combining our networks, knowledge and experience, we strengthen each other. The power of progress lies not in what we can do individually, but in what we do together." said Carolina Riffi Ollite.
