We kicked off our new member concept, Monthly Conversations, with a breakfast seminar on brand and packaging design. On February 3, Foodtech Innovation Network gathered members for a session hosted by Kolossal, a communications agency, at their offices at Media Evolution City. 

The conversation explored how strong food brands are shaped through the balance of business strategy, intuition, and deliberate brand work. A central insight was that brands must be built from within. When employees are engaged and aligned with the brand, credibility and long term value follow. 

We also heard from Arash Sabet from KADO / Simply No Waste, who shared their journey and offered a wealth of insights and eye opening details. Some stories are best experienced live, and this was definitely one of those moments. 

The discussion reflected changing consumer expectations. Taste and price still matter, but food brands are increasingly chosen based on authenticity, origin, values, and storytelling. Consumers are not only buying products, but meaning and connection. 

Brand value was another key theme. In food and beverage, a significant share of company value is intangible, with the brand often representing a critical business asset. Examples such as Oatly illustrate how brand value can exceed traditional balance sheet assets. 

Key takeaways from the session: 

• Strong brands are built from the inside out, employee engagement and employer branding matter  

• Brand is a strategic business asset, not just marketing 

• Authenticity and values increasingly drive consumer choice 

• Storytelling creates connection beyond taste and price 

• In food & beverage, brand value is often a major (intangible) part of company value 

• Clear identity comes from combining functional product value with emotional resonance 

• Understanding your landscape: competitors, categories, and signals, enables clearer positioning 

Monthly Conversations is our recurring member event series, with one themed gathering each month. Through these sessions, we create space for learning, inspiration, and meaningful connections within our community. 
 
Kolossal is also one of the sponsors behind last year’s Foodtech Company of the Year 2025 award at Foodtech Forum. 

We are kicking off 2026 by launching Monthly Conversations, a new member-exclusive event series shaped directly by input from our community. The event series are developed in response to member feedback, the Monthly Conversations reflect our broader mission to accelerate innovation, enable collaboration, and support the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient food system. 

The series consists of recurring breakfast seminars, held on the first Tuesday of every month, each time addressing a topic that matters to companies operating across the food value chain. Each session combines expert insights, practical examples, and peer exchange, turning shared knowledge into real-world impact. 

First event: Smart Packaging & Sustainability 

The series begins with a breakfast seminar together with our parter, Kolossal, exploring how smart packaging design can contribute to sustainability, strengthen shelf impact, and build consumer trust. Participants will gain practical insights and real-world examples while connecting with peers over breakfast. 

Looking ahead this spring 

During the spring, the Monthly Conversations will also explore topics such as public procurement and market access, the role of haptics in the sustainable transition, commercial collaboration with resellers, and sustainability from both a strategic and operational perspective.

The Monthly Conversations series is exclusive to members of Foodtech Innovation Network. 

If you would like to take part in this, and other knowledge-sharing activities, you can read more about the membership here.