SnackFutures Ventures: A New Approach to Innovation in the Snacking Industry
In 2018, Mondelēz International, the maker of Oreo cookies, launched SnackFutures, an investment vehicle aimed at driving innovation and securing its position as a leader in the snacking industry. Over the years, SnackFutures has undergone a transformation, moving away from creating its own brands like Dirt Kitchen and CaPao, and instead focusing on investing in external businesses that offer valuable products, technology, and insights.
The shift within Mondelēz reflects a broader trend among consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies, as they navigate challenges such as rising costs and changing consumer preferences. General Mills, for example, recently closed its in-house innovation unit and paused external investments through its venture arm.
Luba Safran, a CPG industry veteran overseeing investments for SnackFutures Ventures, sat down with Food Dive to discuss the company’s evolving approach to innovation and how the current economic climate is impacting investment opportunities.
SnackFutures Ventures now primarily invests in fast-growing CPG brands that align with Mondelēz’s core product categories, such as chocolate, biscuits, baked snacks, and candy. The team also looks at early-stage companies with innovative routes to market or disruptive snack offerings. Additionally, they focus on enabling technologies, including AI, alternative ingredients, and sustainable packaging solutions.
Since its inception, SnackFutures Ventures has acquired stakes in companies like Urban Legend, Celleste Bio, and Torr FoodTech. Notably, Mondelēz fully acquired Hu, a premium snacks and chocolates maker known for its simple ingredients, demonstrating the company’s commitment to investing in brands that align with its strategic goals.
As SnackFutures Ventures continues to evolve, Mondelēz is leveraging its learnings from past ventures to inform its investment strategy. By focusing on external partnerships and innovative technologies, the company aims to drive growth and sustainability in the competitive snacking market.
The shift towards external investments and strategic partnerships marks a new chapter in Mondelēz’s innovation journey, positioning the company for success in an ever-changing industry landscape. SnackFutures Ventures: Exploring Selectivity in Investment
SnackFutures Ventures, a corporate venture capital group, has been deliberate in its investment choices for various reasons. Unlike traditional venture capital firms focused solely on financial returns, SnackFutures Ventures aims for a blend of financial success and strategic benefits for Mondelēz. This unique approach makes the group highly selective when considering investment opportunities.
The investment market for SnackFutures Ventures is dynamic, especially in the current economic climate. While there is no shortage of investment opportunities, the challenging venture environment has led to many distressed companies seeking funding. Traditional VC funds are cautious, causing cash flow issues for food and beverage startups. This situation presents opportunities for corporations like SnackFutures Ventures to step in and provide support.
However, the group faces challenges when evaluating potential investments. Distressed companies with prolonged fundraising rounds may raise concerns about their stability and market appeal. SnackFutures Ventures must carefully assess the reasons behind these delays to make informed investment decisions.
Despite the market conditions, SnackFutures Ventures remains proactive in evaluating investment opportunities. The focus remains on the company’s relevance, potential for mutual benefit, and alignment with Mondelēz’s strategic goals. The group continues to assess deals actively, ensuring that they are not holding back on potential investments.
In conclusion, SnackFutures Ventures’ selective approach to investments stems from its dual focus on financial returns and strategic benefits. In a challenging economic environment, the group remains vigilant in evaluating opportunities to support promising companies in the food and beverage industry. Title: Exploring the Intriguing World of Urban Exploration
Urban exploration, also known as urbex, is a fascinating and rapidly growing subculture that involves exploring abandoned or off-limits urban spaces. From derelict buildings and forgotten factories to hidden tunnels and underground passageways, urbex enthusiasts seek out these forgotten places to document their history, capture stunning photographs, and experience the thrill of exploring the unknown.
What sets urbex apart from other forms of exploration is its focus on urban environments. While traditional exploration may take adventurers to remote wilderness areas, urbex delves into the heart of bustling cities and uncovers the hidden stories of their past. These urban explorers are drawn to the mystery and intrigue of abandoned buildings, wondering what secrets lie behind their boarded-up windows and crumbling facades.
One of the most appealing aspects of urban exploration is the sense of adventure it offers. Venturing into abandoned buildings or tunnels requires a certain level of bravery and curiosity, as explorers never know what they may encounter inside. From climbing through broken windows to navigating dark, labyrinthine corridors, urbex enthusiasts must be prepared for the unexpected at every turn.
In addition to the adrenaline rush of exploring forbidden spaces, urbex also offers a unique opportunity to document and preserve the history of these forgotten places. Through photographs, videos, and written accounts, urban explorers can capture the beauty and decay of abandoned buildings, providing a glimpse into a world that few get to see.
However, urbex is not without its risks. Exploring abandoned buildings can be dangerous, with hazards such as unstable floors, mold, asbestos, and even the presence of squatters or illegal activities. It is crucial for urbex enthusiasts to prioritize safety and take precautions to ensure their well-being while exploring these spaces.
Despite the risks, urban exploration continues to attract a dedicated community of enthusiasts who are passionate about uncovering the hidden gems of urban environments. Whether it’s the thrill of discovery, the beauty of decay, or the desire to document history, urbex offers a unique and captivating way to experience the world around us. So, if you’re feeling adventurous, grab your camera, lace up your boots, and embark on a journey into the intriguing world of urban exploration.