The winners of the 2017 Food Crowdfunding Contest have been announced. For a month, 11 food startups were able to seek backers on the Startnext platform. In addition to the three main winners, the jury also awarded a special prize for the most innovative project. The winners were honored by the Nutrition Cluster during a blogger gathering at the FOOD & LIFE trade fair.
In this case, the crowdfunding contest, which revolved around the topic of food, wasn't looking for the company that could raise the most money. Instead, the number of backers was the deciding factor. Therefore, the companies were concerned with spreading their project as widely and as effectively as possible in order to generate the largest possible crowd.
Fresh manufacturer receives special prize
The 11 participants had prepared thoroughly in the weeks leading up to the contest: They participated in a webinar specially designed for the participants, received advice from crowdfunding experts, shot a presentation video, and compiled a list of their thank-you gifts for their crowd. The contest officially kicked off on October 16. From then on, every supporter counted—regardless of whether they wanted to support the idea with €5 or €1,000.
Ultimately, the jury’s special prize went to Munich: “The Fresh Manufactory” was recognized as a particularly innovative company. The company produces fruit salads under the highest hygiene standards and keeps them fresh for a longer time thanks to a technologically advanced protective atmosphere and vitamin C coating. The freshness manufacturer thus makes a valuable contribution to reducing food waste, as retailers can keep fruit salads available for sale longer than usual.
The regular places 1-3 went to Paulikocht from Augsburg, Philosoffee from Berlin and Bearprotein, also from the federal capital.
