Mars and Unreasonable Group have recently announced the selection of 15 growth-stage ventures into the first cohort of the Unreasonable Food program. This initiative aligns with Mars’ Net Zero Roadmap and its ambitious 2030 emissions reduction goals, marking a significant step in transforming the food value chain towards more sustainable practices.
The selected ventures hail from five continents and nearly 40 countries, reflecting a global commitment to innovation in the food industry. The criteria for selection included the potential for scalability, impact on sustainability, technological readiness, and alignment with the four strategic pillars of the program: Shaping the Future of Food, Improving Farmer Livelihood, Transforming Food Supply Chains, and Reimagining Sustainable Packaging.
“We are delighted to welcome these visionary entrepreneurs into the Unreasonable Food family,” said Daniel Epstein, CEO of Unreasonable Group. “Their dedication to creating a regenerative, inclusive, and equitable future of food perfectly matches our mission. We’re excited to support their growth and facilitate meaningful partnerships with Mars to generate lasting impact.”
Mars and Unreasonable Group propel food sustainability
The Year 1 cohort features companies such as Mootral, which reduces methane emissions from dairy cows, and Sea Forest, which uses red seaweed to cut cattle emissions dramatically. Other members include Yard Stick, which offers affordable soil carbon measurement solutions, and Regrow Ag, which utilizes satellite imagery to manage agricultural emissions.
Mars has recently updated its Mars Net Zero Roadmap, setting a new goal to halve carbon emissions by 2030 across its entire value chain. The cohort’s initiatives are expected to play a crucial role in achieving these reductions, particularly in the areas of regenerative agriculture and sustainable packaging solutions.
Amanda Davies, Chief R&D, Procurement, and Sustainability Officer for Mars Snacking, expressed enthusiasm about the program’s potential: “At Mars Snacking, we aim to inspire everyday moments of happiness. Supporting these innovative ventures through the Unreasonable Food program allows us to extend our impact beyond traditional business practices and drive significant changes in our food systems.”
The ventures will engage in a comprehensive program offering mentorship, resource access, and collaborative opportunities with Mars and other industry leaders. This support is designed to amplify their growth and influence in making food systems more sustainable and resilient.
For further details about the Unreasonable Food initiative and to learn more about the Year 1 cohort, please visit the Unreasonable Food website.
