Puratos launches incubator to spark bakery and pastry innovation
According to Puratos, as hinted by its name, Sparkalis is designed ‘to be the spark that gives a great innovation its own wings so it can go from the chrysalis stage to flying on its own’.
The platform supports innovation as a start-up incubator, offering scalable support to accelerate business growth. It will also provide direct investments, with specific focus on plant-based products, fermentation and digitalisation.
Fast track disruptive ideas
Sparkalis leverages on Puratos’ 100-year history and experience to kick-start ideas and fast track them to market. The company’s global network of almost 100 experts will assess projects and personally mentor the most promising start-ups.
The new ventures will be provided with holistic expertise in product development, global scaling of market-ready solutions, support on regulatory requirements, and training opportunities. It will also have access to Puratos’ own Taste Tomorrow research, the world’s largest ‘always-on’ programme that delves into consumer behaviours in bakery, patisserie and chocolate.
“Sparkalis was born out of a deep desire to support inspiring food tech pioneers and build success stories together,” said Filip Arnaut, MD of Sparkalis and R&D director at Puratos.
“Sparkalis underscores Puratos’ continued commitment to driving innovation to create a healthier and more sustainable ‘foodprint’ around the world.”
Looking for changemakers
Sophie Blum, managing partner at Sparkalis and chief marketing officer at Puratos, added, “Sparkalis is looking for the future changemakers among start-ups in the bakery, patisserie and chocolate sectors. Our team of global experts, each with their own professional background, is excited to transform their visions into successful business realities. This venture provides the perfect growing soil to discover the next big innovation in food while relying on Puratos’ century-long R&D, network and consumer understanding.”
Sparkalis underscores Puratos’ commitment to innovation. The family company was formed in 1919 to simplify the lives of bakers and confectioners. A century later, that ambition remains unchanged; a prime example being Bakeronline, which enables bakers to create free personalised web shops.
