UK-based snacks manufacturer Pladis has launched an accelerator programme aimed at supporting early-stage companies both locally and internationally.
Pladis, the owner of the McVitie’s biscuit brand, said that the initiative will support start-ups in food tech, health, and sustainability, tackling consumer trends like the ageing global population and rising demand for sustainable food sourcing.
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Pladis chief research & development officer Jennifer Moss said the move aims to bring “transformative change” in the target sectors.
Established in 2016 and owned by Turkish conglomerate Yildiz Holding, Pladis said it wants to apply its experience in entrepreneurship and growth to mentor and support start-ups.
Participants will receive guidance from the company’s senior leadership team in areas such as global expansion, product design, branding and commercialising breakthrough ideas.
“We are a young company ourselves and our leadership team has experience in scaling a global business and bringing to market innovative products” Moss said, adding that “the people running this programme were the people who were integral in making our business what it is today”.
Start-ups participating in the programme will have the chance to pilot projects or co-develop solutions with Pladis, gaining “real-world validation and market exposure”.
The programme targets start-ups pioneering innovations in three areas.
The first area is personalised nutrition for over-50s and younger generations, focusing on functional and fortified snacks tailored to the dietary needs of consumers aged 50 and above, as well as essential nutrition for children’s growth and development.
The second area is advancing functional foods, which includes innovations such as functional snacks, nutraceuticals, and AI-driven product development aimed at enhancing beauty, wellness, and overall well-being.
The third area is future ingredients, which could involve precision fermentation, upcycled ingredients, and plant-based products.
Applications for the accelerator programme open on 18 March and close on 31 May, with final selections announced by 30 June.
Last month, Pladis CEO Salman Amin departed the company with immediate effect, due to “personal reasons”.
In his absence, Sridhar Ramamurthy, CFO, and Tim Brett, managing director for Europe and developing markets, have temporarily assumed oversight of the business.
Pladis also owns brands including Jacob’s, Carr’s, and Go Ahead.
