Danone Joins Major Food Companies on Sustainable Startup Program

The 100+ Accelerator program is dedicated to pioneering sustainable innovation.

Kristen Kazarian, Managing Editor

May 30, 2024

2 Min Read
Danone Joins 100+ Accelerator Program
AB InBev formed the program in 2018 and it has grown immensely since.Khanchit Khirisutchalual/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Danone has joined AB InBev, The Coca-Cola Co., Colgate-Palmolive Co., and Unilever as the fifth partner in the 100+ Accelerator, a groundbreaking program dedicated to pioneering sustainable innovation across global supply chains.

The 100+ Accelerator was launched in 2018 by AB InBev and has become a cornerstone initiative for catalyzing environmental stewardship and sustainable business practices through global collaboration and groundbreaking solutions in critical areas such as water stewardship, circular economy, sustainable agriculture, and climate action. In 2021, the 100+ Accelerator welcomed its first three partners to expand this unique approach to innovation and to further establish the value proposition of the program’s band and mission. To date, it has accelerated 148 companies in 38 countries.

“Sustainability is core to our business strategy and fulfills our purpose of dreaming big to create a future with more cheers,” said Ingrid De Ryck, chief sustainability officer of AB InBev. “In the 5 years since its launch, the 100+ Accelerator has helped us identify and scale solutions to business challenges, advance our 2025 sustainability goals and improve resilience across supply chains. We welcome Danone as a strategic partner in the 100+ Accelerator and are excited to continue developing the program’s impact through industry collaboration.”

The program's effectiveness is evidenced by its impact:

  • Implementation of a range of technologies that help improve water efficiency including nanotechnology, electrochemistry and spectroscopy.

  • Enhanced traceability and support systems for smallholder farmers, endeavoring to improve livelihoods and agricultural sustainability across continents.

  • Fleet optimization including EV retrofitting, hydrogen co-fueling, aerodynamic solutions and hybrid charging.

  • New cooling applications including thermodynamic coatings and magnetic refrigeration.

  • Bio-based, compostable packaging alternatives or additives from banana fiber, spent grain, corn husk, bacterial nano-cellulose among others.

“Our combined global reach will undoubtedly propel the 100+ Accelerator to new heights, driving broader adoption of sustainable innovations that will benefit our planet, our communities and our future.” Vikram Agarwal, Chief Operations Officer, Danone, also expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: "This collaboration with 100+ Accelerator is yet another milestone in Danone's sustainability journey and is a direct result of our Partner For Growth program. It shows our commitment to working with all partners across our ecosystem to leverage our respective strengths to create shared value. With 100+ Accelerator, start-ups will be able to harness our internal resources to scale-up innovation that will deliver tangible environmental benefits across the value chain.”

Applications for the sixth cohort of the accelerator will open on May 30. Forward-thinking entrepreneurs can apply for 100+ Accelerator here.

About the Author(s)

Kristen Kazarian

Managing Editor

Kristen Kazarian has been a writer and editor for more than three decades. She has worked at several consumer magazines and B2B publications in the fields of food and beverage, packaging, processing, women's interest, local news, health and nutrition, fashion and beauty, automotive, and computers.

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