The GROW Food & Beverage Accelerator, led by the Tourism Development Fund, in collaboration with Eatable Adventures, The Space, Applied Innovation Institute and IE university, aims to revolutionize the foodservice industry by incubating and accelerating innovative startups. The program is designed to support entrepreneurs develop revolutionary ideas by providing strategic resources, expert mentorship, and access to a valuable industry network.
The program has meticulously selected fifteen innovative startups that have shown exceptional potential to disrupt the foodservice landscape. Following months of dedicated work since their initial kick-off in April, these noteworthy startups recently presented their ideas and projects at the Demo Day, held on July 22nd in Riyadh.
Here’s a look at the selected startups and the innovative solutions they provide:
- Burger index: provides comprehensive data on the F&B market. Their platform allows users to track stores, products, and brands in real-time, analyze product and ingredient distribution, and minimize decision risks by monitoring market trends and changes.
- Feastap: revolutionizes dining with its innovative digital menu and ordering app. By enhancing the dining process with cutting-edge technology, it empowers hospitality businesses to improve customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
- Arzag Plus: is a leading B2B marketplace in Saudi Arabia, transforming the FMCG sector with its innovative Distribution as a Service (DaaS) model. The platform connects SMEs with top-tier suppliers, enhancing supply chain efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- Masader:. is a B2B marketplace for fresh and frozen meat, poultry, and fish. It expands suppliers’ reach and allows small customers to benefit from bulk prices through direct offers, collective buying, or auction bidding.
- Cotsc. Mobile application offering personalized restaurant recommendations based on individual preferences and user location.
- Debyazah. Event booking and management platform for culinary experiences catering to both consumers and businesses.
- Abeet: based in Madinah, specializes in high-end, bean-to-bar chocolate. Using some of the rarest cocoa beans globally, Abeet creates premium Saudi chocolate bars renowned for their quality both domestically and internationally.
- EmdadX: offers a comprehensive range of products with a personalized approach. Each client is assigned a dedicated account manager to streamline procurement, reduce operational costs, and increase profitability.
- North Coffee: is a specialty coffee brand focused on premium coffee production and distribution. Offering a unique farm-to-cup experience, it operates more than 15 franchises across Saudi Arabia.
- HawwaDates: produces innovative date-based products, leveraging the nutritional properties and unique flavor of dates. Their portfolio includes snack bars, raw mix, and granola, all 100% natural, sugar-free, preservative-free, and Halal.
- EyeGo: utilizes AI, ML, IoT, and Computer Vision to provide the hospitality industry with advanced quality control and data-driven insights, enhancing customer experience, service quality, operational efficiency, and revenue growth.
- Macco Robotics: is a pioneer in hospitality-focused humanoid robots. These robots can prepare and serve food and drinks, enhancing efficiency and reducing preparation times.
- Samo Wech: is a restaurant group specializing in sandwiches made with Samouli bread. The restaurant group emphasizes high-quality, freshly prepared ingredients and unique branding to deliver an exceptional dining experience.
- Jood: manages and operates home kitchens as restaurants, offering a multicultural culinary experience. It empowers female entrepreneurs in the food service sector, enriching both society and tourists with diverse cuisines.
- Conned by the Sea: crafts delectable pastries and beverages like the hibiscus drink “ConCadé” and the “ConGola” granola. They also offer Red Sea cruises and fishing and leisure trips, diversifying their business portfolio
What do the startups think about the program?
Abeet
“Helped in refining ABEET’s business strategy, enhancing product innovation, and expanding market reach through expert guidance and resources.”
EyeGo
“EyeGo’s journey with the TDF Grow F&B Accelerator Program has been revolutionary. The cutting-edge training, visionary mentorship, and expansive global network have empowered us to push the boundaries of innovation and growth in the food and beverage industry.”
Samo Wech
“The most beneficial aspect for me has been learning how to build a pitch, speak with investors, and present to secure investment. It was a very helpful experience for growing our business.”
Jood
“Firstly, I am so appreciated to have us in this unique program since put us on the right way and show us the path clearly and let us focus in the core of the idea. We were really distracted.”
Conned by She
“The program has provided invaluable mentorship, resources, and a supportive community that has been instrumental in taking my startup idea from conception to a viable business plan.”
These entrepreneurs are at the vanguard of foodservice innovation, each bringing a unique approach to problems with the potential to make a huge impact. These companies are prepared to expand and make a significant impact in the global foodservice market thanks to the Grow Food & Beverage Accelerator.
