The Food Surplus Entrepreneurs Network hosted a pitching competition at the “No More Food to Waste” international conference, in which seven European social innovators who are currently working to reduce food waste presented their ideas. Following a two minute presentation from each of the entrepreneurs, the fifty conference participants, which included leaders from governments, international agencies, corporations, investment groups, research institutions and civil society, voted to give organization Kromkommer the award of best social innovation project in the competition. Kromkommer then had the opportunity to present their project to all conference participants during a plenary session.
Kromkommer is a social enterprise based in Rotterdam that makes delicious soups out of wonky and surplus vegetables. By selling their products throughout the Netherlands, they inspire the whole food supply chain from grower to consumer to join their mission to reduce food waste. Chantal Engelen, Kromkommer’s co-founder, elaborates on getting started as a social entrepreneur: “I believe that it is important to just start with your idea and DO something. If your story and idea are good, people will follow and join you. There are always reasons to not start with your plan, but the reason why you should start is always more important.”
Seven organizations gave their best pitch during the competition: Sur+ (Netherlands); Zachran Jidlo (Czech Republic); Kromkommer (Netherlands); No Food Wasted (Netherlands); Taste Before You Waste (Netherlands); FoodWe (Belgium); and Instock (Netherlands). The tough competition was recognised by the voting participants. Anne-Laure Gassin from the European Commission noted: “It was so hard to choose my favourite project. They all do amazing work.”
There is a growing global movement of social innovators who take practical action to reduce food waste. They generate new ideas and methods that are effective, easy to replicate and business tested – and they have gained global recognition for the significant role they play in reducing food waste. International change-makers offered food surplus entrepreneurs a seat at the table during this conference in order to learn more about innovative business models and collaborate to achieve progress towards a Zero Food Waste City.
Kromkommer is a social enterprise based in Rotterdam that makes delicious soups out of wonky and surplus vegetables. By selling their products throughout the Netherlands, they inspire the whole food supply chain from grower to consumer to join their mission to reduce food waste. Chantal Engelen, Kromkommer’s co-founder, elaborates on getting started as a social entrepreneur: “I believe that it is important to just start with your idea and DO something. If your story and idea are good, people will follow and join you. There are always reasons to not start with your plan, but the reason why you should start is always more important.”
Seven organizations gave their best pitch during the competition: Sur+ (Netherlands); Zachran Jidlo (Czech Republic); Kromkommer (Netherlands); No Food Wasted (Netherlands); Taste Before You Waste (Netherlands); FoodWe (Belgium); and Instock (Netherlands). The tough competition was recognised by the voting participants. Anne-Laure Gassin from the European Commission noted: “It was so hard to choose my favourite project. They all do amazing work.”
There is a growing global movement of social innovators who take practical action to reduce food waste. They generate new ideas and methods that are effective, easy to replicate and business tested – and they have gained global recognition for the significant role they play in reducing food waste. International change-makers offered food surplus entrepreneurs a seat at the table during this conference in order to learn more about innovative business models and collaborate to achieve progress towards a Zero Food Waste City.
