As President and founder of the American Food Venture Forum (AFVF) I am especially proud of the progress we have made in two short years. It shows what can happen when a critical need is addressed by committed, experienced volunteers. The AFVF is thought to be the only venture capital forum in the U.S. devoted exclusively to the food technology industry. It is held the same week in October as the World Food Prize festivities, both in Des Moines, Iowa. I would be amiss if I did not thank the World Food Prize staff for their support in getting this off the ground, along with our major sponsor, the Iowa Department of Economic Development and our other sponsors.
Last year was the first year for the conference and until a couple of weeks prior to the conference we were not sure we would pull it off. We got a late start and had to hustle to get companies to present and VC's to attend. We pulled it off and sponsors and the press deemed it a success. We had 22 companies apply for 15 presenter slots. We ended up with 15 quality companies from ten states from every region of the U.S.
This year we announced that we would expand the number of slots to twenty. We received 40 applications for presenters from the U.S., Canada, Bolivia and Paraguay. Given the quality of applicants we expanded the number of presenters to twenty-two companies instread of twenty. Again the invited presenters are from around the U.S. but this year two Canadian companies were selected, as well. Below is a short description of each:
The Healthy Pantry, Red Lodge, MT
Healthy Pantry’s whole food meal kits enable busy families to make a healthy, tasty, fresh-cooked meal with an ingredient or two from their ‘fridge.
Talbot Teas, New York, NY
We blend and market a premium quality brand of teas that combine unique flavors with distinctive presentation.
Q Products, Danbury, CT
Q Products, Inc. is a Connecticut-based food company focused on the strategic branding of its premium “Jonathan’s Q” brand of gourmet condiments and marinades in a niche mainstream market.
La Quercia, Norwalk, IA
We make artisan dry cured meats, crafted from the best possible ingredients, that express our appreciation for the bounty and beauty of Iowa.
Steelkor, LLC, Fenton, MO
SteelKor's Produce Safety System kills 99.9% of bacteria on produce, including Salmonella & E. Coli. For use in ALL commercial kitchen markets.
Jiminy, LLC, Buffalo Grove, IL
Provides complete manufacturing system for food retailers & service establishments to make potato chips and other snacks in the presence of consumers
Lenny’s Real Beef Company, Chicago, IL
The needs of today's health-seeking consumers are not being met in one of the most important categories in the store--Lenny's has the solution.
BiolActis, Laval, QE, CAN
BiolActis built its credibility through its clinical program and is now ready to go to market to address obesity-related disorders (medical foods)
Vermont Energy Company, Charlotte, VT
The Vermont Energy Company, the fuel supplier, for your car, body, and soul, is about redefining your convenience store experience.
Happy Beverage Company, Sacramento, CA
Hot Topper is the first effective, spill proof lid for the 58 million unit per day, to-go cup industry.
Tula Foods, Chicago, IL
Tula Foods, Inc. has developed and is marketing a line of unique and delicious foods enhanced with Whey Protein, the next long term trend in nutrition.
BOBO Baby, Inc., Burnaby, BC, CAN
At the BOBO Garden we’re passionate about growing healthy kids! All BOBOBABY and BOBOKIDS meals and snacks are made from fresh, locally sourced organic ingredients.
Tri-Phase Drying Technologies, Norwalk, IA
Our ultra efficient industrial drying technology reduces energy use 60 -75%, reduces CO2 emissions, and saves money in many industry applications.
Quadro Group, LLC, Iowa City, IA
Award winning ultra-premium vodka Quadro seeks additional funding for market expansion. Recession resistant industry with high valuations.
Aero Farm Systems, Ithaca, NY
Aero Farm Systems has developed an aeroponic system that grows leafy greens without soil and without sun, all year round and in any location.
Origami Foods, LLC, Stockton, CA
Our fruit and vegetable wraps are a rare example of a transformative product platform. Our customer list and sales are growing monthly
Vital Surge, LLC, Joplin, MO
Vital Surge produces zelo, the first all-natural enhanced water to offer nutritional hydration without sugar, art. sweetener, sodium, or coloring.
Sensor Development Corporation, Strongsville, OH
A new science and a new technology equal a better method for detection of aflatoxin in stored grain.
Breads From Anna, Iowa City, IA
Breads From Anna is a line of ten gluten-free baking mixes with outstanding taste, texture & nutritional value, sold in stores across the U.S., online & internationally.
TerraManus Technologies, Liberty, Mo
TerraManus has developed patented ag technologies designed to be the reconciling link between competing economic & environmental interests worldwide.
Inscent, Inc., Irvine, CA
We are replacing the current toxic insect control products with environmentally safe compounds uniquely targeted to individual pest species.
Nu World Amaranth, Dyersville, IA
A 20 yr expert in Gluten Free (GF) products, is serving mega branders and niche food marketers alike.
Ode’ to Cecil!
4 years ago
