At Next Food Collective, we’re entering the summer with fresh energy, sharpened focus, and a growing sense of shared momentum. Over the past months, we’ve had open and
constructive conversations across the network—conversations that reflect a deep sense of commitment and a real belief in what we’re building together. It’s clear that our collective ambition is more alive than ever. This renewed energy also comes to life in our new website, which better reflects who we are and where we're headed.
There’s a renewed “we” feeling—one that goes beyond individual themes or projects. It shows in how we talk about our ambitions, how we challenge each other to think bigger, and how we search for smart, future-proof ways to make the most of both public and private funding—an increasingly important theme in these turbulent times, with public spending under pressure.
The questions we’re asking now are sharper and more relevant. How can we scale faster? How do we ensure that what we’re building is both economically viable and socially meaningful? And how do we stay ahead in a landscape that’s changing rapidly—from consumer expectations to shifting government policies and global market dynamics? Maybe with a bit of envy, we look at the industry cluster around Eindhoven, which has succeeded in unlocking massive investments—securing its position as a world-leading sector.
The urgency behind these questions reflects the momentum we’ve built—because we’ve made real progress in recent months. The contours of our collective vision are becoming clearer and more concrete. Our three main themes—regenerative agriculture, sustainable processing, and healthy nutrition & well-being—are evolving from bold ideas into fully-evolved impact programs, each with its own momentum, leadership, and growing support base. A big thank you to the VU for hosting the last Core Partner Board meeting, where the board gave the green light for the strategic refocus on these impact programs. You can find the latest theme updates in the remainder of this newsletter.
These impact programs are not just strategies on paper; they’re turning into living collaborations with the potential to truly unite the agri-food industry as a force for change. where knowledge, innovation, and ambition come together. Still, the road ahead demands more than good ideas. It requires action. The transition we’re aiming for—towards a more sustainable, fair, and resilient food system—won’t happen on its own. It will take coordination, courage, and above all: collaboration. We all know the challenges are complex—whether it’s shifting consumer behaviour, rethinking value chains, developing new technologies, or navigating regulatory uncertainty.
That’s why it’s so important that we continue to find each other—not just as individuals or organisations, but as a collective. This is not about everyone doing everything together—it’s about finding your piece of the puzzle and being willing to contribute it. One of the most encouraging developments of the past months has been the growing number of partners stepping forward—not just to give feedback or cheer from the sidelines, but to roll up their sleeves and help shape the direction we’re taking. That kind of ownership is what makes the difference between a nice idea and a real movement.
The coming months will be all about building on that foundation: strengthening our impact programs even further, sharpening our propositions, and finding the right partners and resources to bring them to life. That includes finding new coalitions, new funding routes, and new ways of working that are more agile, more collaborative, and better aligned with the real-world complexity of food system innovation. We're happy to share that Michiel Meeuse has extended his time with us and will focus on the Top 100 Sustainable Products program, while Han Kolff has joined the team to help position our impact programs at the tables where key decisions are made
So, as we head into the summer, I want to take a moment to thank everyone who’s been part of this journey so far. Your energy, insights, and willingness to collaborate are what make the Next Food Collective more than just a name—they make it a living, breathing ecosystem of change.
I hope you get the chance to pause and recharge during the summer. Enjoy the long days and the sunshine. Because when we return, there’s important work to do—and I look forward to doing it, together with all of you.
Have a wonderful summer!
Warm regards,
Marian