Embracing Sustainable Growth in the Food and Beverage Industry
In the ever-evolving world of food and beverage, it is essential for companies to steer clear of fleeting trends and instead focus on evidence-based practices rooted in science. This approach is crucial for achieving sustainable long-term growth, according to Florian Schattenmann, the chief technology officer and vice president for innovation and research and development at Cargill, based in Minneapolis.
Schattenmann, a distinguished 2025 Fellow of the American Chemical Society and a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has ascended the ranks in research and development, evolving from a chemist to a leading figure in food innovation. With a deep understanding of what it takes to revolutionize nutrition, health, and sustainability on a large scale, Schattenmann emphasizes the importance of staying grounded in facts amid a rapidly changing landscape.
“We are currently facing some of the most significant global challenges in recent history, from socioeconomic shifts and an aging population to climate change and the pressing need to feed a rapidly growing world,” Schattenmann explains. “It is crucial to resist the allure of short-term visions.
“Innovation is the key to transforming challenges into tangible ideas and outcomes. However, true innovation only holds value when it can be scaled up, transitioning from concepts on whiteboards and pilot plants to tangible products on store shelves and in people’s daily lives.”
Amid the cacophony of voices in the industry, Cargill, like many other companies, has felt the reverberations of these challenges. Despite recording $154 billion in sales for the fiscal year 2025, a slight decrease from the previous year’s $160 billion, the company remains committed to reshaping its business model. This restructuring involves consolidating from five to three new business units, integrating the company’s food business to create comprehensive food solutions that bridge protein and food ingredients.
With a firm belief in the power of long-term research and development investments to enhance the company’s financial performance and drive progress in food security and agriculture, Schattenmann remains optimistic about Cargill’s trajectory. This optimism is mirrored by industry recognition, with Cargill receiving multiple prestigious awards in 2025 for its groundbreaking work in driving innovation across the global supply chain.
“Our focus is on developing technologies that can be effectively scaled up,” Schattenmann affirms. “In the realm of food and beverage, these innovations must seamlessly integrate into existing manufacturing processes as ‘drop-in’ ingredients.”
He underscores that the key ingredients for successful innovation at scale include fostering the right organizational culture, cultivating strategic partnerships, and demonstrating unwavering commitment. However, he stresses the importance of ensuring that innovation is guided by consumer preferences rather than fleeting trends or social media buzz.
“The prevailing trend is a consumer shift towards preventive health practices rather than merely treating diseases,” Schattenmann observes. “Nevertheless, it is vital to always address the fundamental consumer desires.”
Central to consumer satisfaction are four essential criteria: taste, nutrition, cost, and sustainability. Taste remains paramount, with a focus on delivering a burst of salty flavor upon contact with saliva and incorporating natural low- and no-calorie sweeteners for sweetness. Cargill has introduced high-surface area salt crystals to enhance taste and is leveraging agronomy, biotechnology, and precision fermentation for sweetener innovation.
“We are continuously learning and refining our approaches,” Schattenmann notes. “Our commitment to improvement is unwavering.”
As the industry evolves, the importance of adapting nutrition profiles to align with scientific advancements cannot be overstated. Schattenmann emphasizes the need to prioritize factual information over social media trends to ensure that products remain relevant and appealing to consumers.
Moreover, he underscores the significance of balancing cost considerations with consumer accessibility and the imperative of integrating sustainability into every stage of product development. Sustainability, he asserts, is not merely an option but a prerequisite for market entry in today’s landscape.
Looking ahead, Schattenmann acknowledges that while innovative ideas are crucial, true success lies in the ability to scale these innovations effectively. Many promising innovations often fizzle out after an initial burst of excitement due to the challenges of scaling up.
“Achieving scale demands discipline, perseverance, and a resilient spirit,” he explains. “It requires a blend of scientific expertise, robust systems, and the right incentives to sustain momentum and witness tangible outcomes. It is the consistent and reliable innovations that drive meaningful change in the industry.”