McVitie’s owner Pladis is launching an Accelerator Programme to nurture early-stage companies, both within the UK and internationally. 

The scheme will support start-ups in food technology, health and sustainability in response to key consumer trends, including the ageing global population and the demand for sustainable food sourcing.

The start-ups will receive tailored mentorship from senior teams at Pladis, offering advice on global expansion, product design, branding and commercialising breakthrough ideas.

Through the programme, selected businesses will also have direct access to key players in the food-tech, retail tech and innovation ecosystem, including industry leaders, corporate partners and experienced venture professionals.

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The companies will be given the opportunity to pilot projects or co-develop solutions with the British food manufacturer, providing real-world market exposure.

The Accelerator Programme seeks to find visionary start-ups that are pioneering innovations across three key areas, including personalised nutrition for the over-50s and younger generations, advancing functional foods, and future ingredients. 

“We are excited to launch the Accelerator Programme,” said Pladis chief research and development officer Jennifer Moss. “We are a young company ourselves and our leadership team has experience in scaling a global business and bringing to market innovative products. The people running this programme were the people who were integral in making our business what it is today.

“We want to share the insights we’ve learned to collaborate directly with visionary start-ups, powering the next era of breakthrough ideas.”

The open call for applications opens on 18 March and closes on 31 May 2025, with final selections to be made by 30 June.