Rising food prices and human rights abuses in international supply chains are causing disruptions in our food systems.
In addition to that, food production and waste generate a large share of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change. In 2022, you can expect to see the acceleration of sustainability trends within the food sector.
Plant-based products will continue to diversify and obtain a higher fidelity to animal products. Romanian-based Verdino Food Solutions has won recognition for the taste of the products. Within two years, Verdino Food Solutions has developed over 60 plant-based meat alternatives, based mainly on pea protein.
Now, they're planning their expansion in the local and international markets after raising growth equity. The idea to cultivate particular foods like microgreens and leafy vegetables in vertical farms is also a trend that will continue diversifying. In Romania, vertical hydroponics is an incredibly popular farming technology.
A local producer of Microgreens and B2B supplier of microplants using hydroponics recently raised over $500,000 to further develop proprietary technology.
The overall agritech ecosystem will continue to develop in Balkan countries and seek to improve their efficiency when it comes to resource use and production.
Certain Romanian startups such as Apiary Book and Venomia are even offering automation in honey production, while many others are digitizing the sector.
