Name:      Michiel Meeuse
Function: Program Lead Future Proof Products
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michiel-meeuse/
Email:      michiel.meeuse@nextfoodcollective.nl

 Can you tell something about yourself and your role within NFC?

I am a chemical engineer with a MSc and PhD of Delft University of Technology, who, somewhat accidentally, found my way in the food industry many years ago. Before joining Next Food Collective, I’ve had roles across various parts of the food supply chain; from the primary sector to product and process development for consumer products. At Next Food Collective, my role is all about identifying opportunities where collaboration can break down shared barriers and help accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient food system.

What do you find most enjoyable or inspiring about your work?

What energizes me most is working with a diverse group of people, both at the NFC office, and people from the partner organisations, who share the same ambition: to make meaningful change happen in the food system. I enjoy connecting the dots between different stakeholders, perspectives, and innovations, especially when that leads to unexpected solutions.

What impact do you want to make with your work at NFC? How do you contribute to its success?

The food industry is already taking a lot of steps towards a more sustainable and resilient food system. But to reach the goals we have set as society together, we need to speed-up. There is a lot that individual companies can do by themselves, which is great. But there are also some barriers that can be addressed much more efficient together. The essence of my role is to explore together with the partners where and how we can do this, such that we will realise the well needed acceleration.

What hobbies or interests do you have outside work?

Next to the classic 3 F (family, friends and food), my main interest outside work is contempory art. I love visiting musea and galleries showing the latest developments, and I started a parallel career as an artist. A few years ago, I signed up for art school, where I hope to graduate in two years from now.

What’s a fun fact about yourself that readers probably don’t already know about you?

One of the first patents I have is on guacamole. So as a Dutch guy I like to think of myself as a guacamole expert. So feel free to reach out if you have questions on your guacamole.