Häagen-Dazs has launched their new ‘Start-Up Innovation’ challenge, which aims to explore the potential for innovation in technology and ingredients, with a focus on increasing its sustainability potential.
Together with EIT Food (European Institute of Innovation and Technology), the new challenge from the ice cream brand is looking to accelerate innovation by building direct collaborations with start-up companies from all over Europe and partner countries,
Start-ups can apply via the EIT Food website. Ten businesses will then be selected to take part in a demonstration day at the Häagen-Dazs research and development (R&D) center on June 13th, 2023.
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General Mills, which owns Häagen-Dazs, recently opened the brand-new R&D center in Northern France, next to Häagen-Dazs’ production site.
This R&D center aims to ‘research and innovate’, whilst ‘developing the ice cream flavors and processes of tomorrow’ for 90 countries around the world.
After the demo day, at least two winners will be given the opportunity to partner with Häagen-Dazs and develop a POC (proof of concept).
Participating start-ups will be asked to find innovative solutions to five key challenges for Häagen-Dazs. The environment is a key strategic focus, as General Mills is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030, reaching carbon neutrality by 2050, and achieving 100% recyclable or reusable packaging by 2025 in Europe.
Aditionally, the iconic ice cream brand is focused on five issues related to the different ways of developing, distributing, and consuming ice cream, including: indulgent sugar reduced ice cream, making ice cream more resilient towards fluctuations in temperature, and creating ice cream with the lowest carbon footprint.
Also, it is committed to improving the energy efficiency of the refrigerated dipping cabinets for Häagen-Dazs in shops, and creating the ice cream packaging of the future with low environmental impact.
Start-up companies who wish to participate or find out more on the Häagen-Dazs Start-Up Innovation Challenge should visit the EIT Food website and complete the application form.
It comes as Häagen-Dazs has partnered with world-renowned pastry chef Pierre Hermé to launch an exclusive new ice cream range with macarons.
