Kristie Nystedt has accepted an advisory role with Twin Cities-based NETZRO, SBC. NETZRO, a national leader in sustainability by eliminating food waste and expanding the food supply chain. Nystedt is currently the President of ABS Commercial, Atlantic Process Solutions and the owner of Raleigh Brewing in Raleigh, NC.

Nystedt conveyed her enthusiasm for joining NETZRO, stating, “Innovation and sustainability are critical to the future of food and beverage manufacturing, and NETZRO is leading the way in this transformation. I am eager to leverage my expertise in equipment manufacturing and process optimization to expand the reach of NETZRO’s groundbreaking solutions. By bringing these innovations to more facilities, we can drive greater efficiency, sustainability, and growth across the industry.”

“We have a critical role to play in creating a more resilient and accessible global food system which includes upcycling food that would otherwise be wasted and the NETZRO team is honored to have Nystedt join and contribute. Nystedt brings proven leadership in manufacturing process improvement, quality assurance, and project management to the commercialization of NETZRO’s proprietary equipment. Food manufacturing facilities are extremely complex and exacting with Nystedt experience in the fabrication and installation of piping systems and process equipment for FDA- regulated facilities, NETZRO can provide its customers with solutions that eliminate food waste and provide revenue opportunities. As the President and owner of ABS Commercial, her deep understanding of the dynamics of the brewing and distilling industries as a full-service brewery and parts outfitter, will enable NETZRO to build a strategy that accelerates growth. I look forward to working with her to expand NETZRO’s equipment into every food and beverage manufacturing facility allowing for a zero-food waste world,” said Sue Marshall, NETZRO’s founder and CEO.

Download the Press Release here: NETZRO Fills Advisor Position with Food Equipment Manufacturing Expert

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 Corinne Trang has accepted an advisory role with Twin Cities-based NETZRO, SBC. NETZRO, a national leader in sustainability by eliminating food waste and expanding the food supply chain. Trang is currently a global business development and planning consultant for numerous food businesses.

Trang expressed her excitement about joining NETZRO: “The minute I spoke to Sue and her team, I knew I wanted to get involved. I saw how NETZRO’s impact on significantly reducing food waste could bring together different actors across the supply chain to solve a massive problem that requires all hands on deck. When it comes to the environment, we need to think globally, and NETZRO’s state-of-the-art technology is key to covering a lot of ground.”

“We have a critical role to play in creating a more resilient and accessible global food system which includes upcycling food that would otherwise be wasted and the NETZRO team is honored to have Trang join and contribute. Trang brings proven leadership in advising businesses in launching innovative strategic opportunities within the food system that concentrates on sustainability and impact. Her deep understanding of global business dynamics will enable NETZRO to build a strategy that drives growth and improves the environmental challenges we face around the world. I look forward to working with her to expand NETZRO’s technology framework throughout Europe and Asia,” said Sue Marshall, NETZRO’s founder and CEO.

Click to download press release: NETZRO Fills EU Strategy Advisor Position with Food Systems Expert

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Sarah Franz has accepted a board position with Twin Cities-based NETZRO, SBC. NETZRO, a national leader in sustainability by eliminating food waste and expanding the food supply chain. Franz is currently the executive director of Healing Soils Foundation and was previously a senior advisor for Food Systems for the Future.

Franz expressed her excitement about joining NETZRO: “I am truly honored to be a part of the NETZRO team and their groundbreaking work in the field of food upcycling! NETZRO’s innovative approach to food upcycling resonates deeply with my passion for sustainability and fostering more equitable food systems for all. By converting food byproducts into valuable ingredients, we are tackling environmental degradation, enhancing nutrition, and fostering new economic opportunities. As I embark on this collaboration with NETZRO, I am excited to bring my expertise in sustainable and equitable food systems to the table. Together we’re pioneering solutions that have the power to transform our food system for the better, one upcycled ingredient at a time.”

“We have a critical role to play in creating a more resilient and accessible food system which includes upcycling food that would otherwise be wasted and the NETZRO team is honored to have Franz join the board. Sarah brings proven leadership in building a circular food system for the future that concentrates on regenerative agriculture and I look forward to working with her to build NETZRO’s technology framework as well as our wholistic strategy to food upcycling through certification,” said Sue Marshall, NETZRO’s founder and CEO.

Click to download press release: News Release Sarah Franz joins NETZRO Board

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MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (October 2023) – Danyel Bischof-Forsyth has accepted a board position with Twin Cities-based NETZRO, SBC. NETZRO, a national leader in sustainability by eliminating food waste and expanding the food supply chain. Bischof-Forsyth was the prior CTO at Tyson Foods, and as a board member will provide NETZRO leadership in the areas of technology optimization while advancing impact data innovation. NETZRO was among four national entrepreneurs chosen in July by Tyson Ventures, the venture capital at Tyson Foods Demo Day 2023.

Danyel expressed her excitement about joining NETZRO: “I am truly honored to be a part of NETZRO and its groundbreaking work in the field of food upcycling! Together we will redefine the way we approach food waste and shape the future of sustainability.”

“We have a critical role to play in eliminating food waste while responsibly producing food for a growing world and the NETZRO team is honored to have Danyel join the board. Danyel brings proven technology leadership and I look forward to working with her to build NETZRO’s impact data framework as well as our technology strategy,” said Sue Marshall, NETZRO’s founder and CEO.

Click to download press release: NetZro news release Danyel Bischof-Forsyth board position

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IDENTIFY MARKET NEEDS:

The first step in accelerating the growth of a new industry is to identify the pressing needs of the market it serves. Over the past few years NETZRO has conducted research with academia, government entities and manufacturers on the current status of food byproducts as well as what it will take to add value to the process to safely capture and convert them to new upcycled food ingredients at scale. We are fortunate to also have The Upcycled Food Association conducting market research to assist in aligning the industry’s products or services with the needs of consumers. This is no small task as needs are dynamic, providing endless opportunities and ever-changing challenges. I continue to be inspired as NETZRO and The Upcycled Food Association continues to evolve to ensure that offerings are relevant and in-demand. It is an exciting time to be in the food upcycling industry.

INNOVATION MEETS COLLABORATION:

Innovation lies at the heart of any thriving industry. It is critical to encourage and support research and development within the sector to push boundaries and discover new solutions. Collaboration between different players in the industry, including startups, established companies, academic institutions, and even government bodies, can also lead to breakthroughs and a more cohesive growth trajectory. The Upcycled Food Association provides opportunities within its membership to work together such as NETZRO project with AMAI which creates an entirely new use of an upcycled ingredient and bulls in sophisticated supply chain partners such as Buhler.

A robust ecosystem is vital for resilience and expansion of a new industry. In the past 5 years numerous incubators, accelerators, and venture capital funds are focused on the opportunities within food upcycling. An example is Tyson Ventures (insert link of press release) The NETZRO team is thrilled to have been accepted and looking forward to see what this new collaboration brings. Government policies and regulations should be designed to nurture the industry while ensuring fair competition and consumer protection. If you have not heard about the recent law that was passed in California SB1383 on improving organic waste disposal, it is important to be familiar as these types of regulations will continue to roll out throughout the US. Additionally, knowledge-sharing platforms, conferences, and networking events can enhance the exchange of ideas and opportunities. With so many stakeholders from all over the world attending the Food Waste Solutions Summit it was validation that the hard work done has begun to pay off and will make an impact.

ALIGNING TALENTS AND SKILLS:

Talented and skilled professionals are the driving force behind any successful industry. Growing pains are expected in any new industry and the startups that serve it. It is important to be open to working with everyone in the ecosystem, even those that might be perceived as competition. The only competitor there is in the food waste ecosystem is the problem itself. NETZRO is pleased to announce the addition of a new advisor, Yoni Medhin whom was the former CEO of Grain4Grain which recently ceased operations. This was a reminder to me that one never knows what door opens when another closes.

INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY AND DATA FOR SUCCESS:

The integration of cutting-edge technology and automation can significantly boost productivity and efficiency within the industry. Embrace emerging technologies relevant to your field, such as impact data measurement & mining, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), or blockchain, to gain a competitive advantage and meet evolving market demands. NETZRO is finding support for its technology internationally, having just received funding from JLL Foundation.

NEW STANDARDS AND GOALS:

Standardization is crucial for building credibility and trust in a new industry. The Upcycled Food Association’s creation of the Upcycled Certified Program has created engagement with experienced stakeholders paving the way for consumer engagement. This will not only protect consumers but also facilitate easier market entry for new consumer food products. It also creates a path for additional certifications that could include carbon measurement that can assist tracking to meet a company’s ESG and other impact goals.

EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION:

For a novel industry like food upcycling to flourish, educating customers about its benefits and potential applications is paramount. In the future we need to invest in marketing campaigns and educational content that raises awareness about the benefits of adding value to food that otherwise would have been wasted. With the involvement of large food companies such as Kroger and Tyson the industry is poised to adequately fund initiatives needed to educate consumers, food distributors, non-profits, government agencies and all players within the food supply chain.

IN SUMMARY:

Accelerating the growth of the food upcycling industry requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the needs of the food producers that have food byproduct waste, fosters innovation to meet growing demand, and creates a supportive ecosystem. By attracting top talent, embracing technology, and advocating for industry standards, the food upcycling industry can be positioned for success. Remember, sustainable growth comes from continuously adapting to market dynamics and remaining open to collaboration and change. With dedication, perseverance, and a well-executed strategy, whatever your industry, it can thrive and leave a lasting impact on the world.

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Through NETZRO’s extensive knowledge of the upcycled food industry, its proprietary patent-pending technology and equipment, and its vast network of connections, this story illustrates another perfect example of how collaborative partnering is the key to significant positive impact for our food system, our environment, and for each and every one of us.

Thank you to Institute for Nonprofit News, Planet Detroit and all the other contributors who made this possible.

Read the full original article HERE. 

This story is part of a collaborative series, from the Institute for Nonprofit News, Planet Detroit and four other news partners, examining climate resilience across the Great Lakes. This reporting was made possible with support from the Joyce Foundation.

  author:Eleanore Catolico

Why Avalon International Breads is rescuing spent grains to fight climate change.

The stalwart bakery’s participation in an upcycled grain project boasts environmental and economic benefits

Inside a nearly 50,000-square-foot bakehouse on Detroit’s east side, workers are helping reduce harm to the planet by producing sweet and savory crackers made from leftover brewer’s barley.

It’s an exhilarating time for the team behind Avalon International Breads, whose humble beginnings can be traced to a storefront bakery in the city’s Cass Corridor neighborhood. They’ve built a reputation for artisan baked goods over the course of its 25-year history and have multiple cafes across Michigan. Recently, they opened two new locations, inside Rivertown Market in Detroit and Woodward Corner Market in Royal Oak.

Eco-conscious practices, like composting and recycling, have been an indelible part of the company’s DNA. These actions are embedded within a core philosophy of the “triple bottom line,” which also commits to building community and offering employees fair wages, benefits, and a compassionate workplace. Avalon now plays a key role in a food sustainability initiative called the Upcycled Grain Project, positioning them at the forefront of a movement aligned with their values.

The food waste reduction method doesn’t just elevate Avalon’s sustainability mission to new heights. It’s good for business.

A Minnesota-based company called NETZRO sources the flour for Avalon, which they use to make the final product, the crackers. So far, Avalon gets flour every few months based on demand.

The crackers are bite-sized, charcuterie-like crisps that pair well with jam and come in boxes labeled “Upcycled Grain Project.” Flavors include cranberry coconut, fig cardamom, orange sesame, and the most popular flavor, raisin rosemary.

Eleanore Catolico is a New Voices fellow with Euclid Media group’s Metro Times. She was Planet Detroit x Energy News Network’s 2022 Detroit Energy and Environment Reporting Fellow, and previously worked at Chalkbeat Detroit and WDET. She lives in Detroit.

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Story by BROOKS JOHNSON
Photo illustration by NURI DUCASSI; iStock Star Tribune staff

What happens to all that malted barley after beer is done brewing, or all those oats after being soaked to make oat milk? They are increasingly ending up back in food.

Minnesota’s nascent “upcycled” food industry — which is one part recycling and another part food manufacturing — has gone from nearly non- existent to vibrant in just a few years. The aim of upcycling is to find new uses for otherwise discarded, yet still nutritious, foodstuffs. Repurposed grains are hitting shelves in baking mixes, crackers and even cereal.

“It used to be a movement. Now it’s an industry,” said Sue Marshall, founder and CEO of St. Paul-based upcycling company Netzro.

The practice of redirecting food waste — which the industry calls “byproduct utilization” — has been around since agriculture began, mostly by reusing it in animal feed or compost. But rebranding it as upcycling, and finding ways to commercialize the practice for human food, has helped the industry rapidly take off.

Click here to read the article at StarTribune.com

Click here to download a pdf of the full article.

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“We seek to reshape the food system by supporting innovators who are elevating food to its highest use and disrupting the linear supply chain. This could include solutions such as imperfect produce lines, upcycled foods & meal kits, upcycled commercial ingredients and more.”

With nearly 150 companies applying, 10 were selected for the 2021 Innovation Fund cohort.

In this special mini-series episode of the Too Good To Waste podcast we meet the founders from two more of the companies in the 2021 Innovation Fund Cohort, Sue Marshall, Founder & CEO of NETZRO, (starts at 03:33), and Anna Hammond, Founder & CEO of Matriark Foods (starts at 20:22).

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE “TOO GOOD TO WASTE” SHOW NOTES PAGE

NETZRO interview starts at 03:33

Matriark Foods interview starts at 20:22

Learn more about The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation https://zerohungerzerowastefoundation.org/about.html

Learn more about Village Capital: https://vilcap.com/

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