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bridge2food

October 21-23, 2025 Minneapolis, MN

Bridge2Food

   

Bridge2Food North America 2025

Bridge2Food North America Page Header

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08:00
  1. Registration
    60 mins
    • Registration
09:00
  1. Welcome & Introduction
    Memorial Hall
    10 mins
    • Course
    Welcome to Bridge2Food's course! This course is organized in collaboration with the Bezos Center. 
09:15
  1. Introduction to the Course & Sustainable Proteins
    Memorial Hall
    15 mins
    • Course
09:35
  1. Physical and Physiological Protein Functionality Characterization
    Memorial Hall
    35 mins
    • Course
10:15
  1. Plant-based Food Product Formulation
    Memorial Hall
    35 mins
    • Course
10:50
  1. Coffee Break
    30 mins
    • Break
    • Networking Opportunities
11:20
  1. Cultivated Meat Product Formulation and Hybrids
    Memorial Hall
    35 mins
    • Course
12:00
  1. Precision Fermentation and Introduction to Other Fermentation Methods
    Memorial Hall
    35 mins
    • Course
12:40
  1. System Considerations
    Memorial Hall
    15 mins
    • Course
13:00
  1. Workshops Rules and Safety
    Memorial Hall
    10 mins
    • Course
13:10
  1. Lunch Break
    60 mins
    • Break
    • Networking Opportunities
14:10
  1. Travel to SunOpta's Headquarters
    45 mins
    • Travel Time
    • Networking Opportunities

    Buses will be arranged by Bridge2Food to travel from the McNamara Alumni Center to SunOpta's headquarters in Eden Prairie.

15:00
  1. Workshops
    SunOpta Headquarters
    180 mins
    • Course

    Look out for some exciting workshops from: 

    • Novonesis
    • Kalsec
    • Others TBA

    More information will be announced soon. 

18:00
  1. Travel back to the McNamara Alumni Center
    45 mins
    • Travel Time
    • Networking Opportunities
    Buses will be arranged by Bridge2Food to travel from SunOpta's headquarters back to the main venue, the McNamara Alumni Center.
18:45
  1. Welcome Reception
    Memorial Hall
    165 mins
    • Welcome Reception
    • Networking Opportunities

    Join us for a Welcome Reception to meet peers, colleagues, and speakers at Bridge2Food North America!

08:00
  1. Registration
    60 mins
    • Registration
  2. Light Breakfast
    Exhibit Area
    60 mins
    • Break
09:00
  1. Welcome Address
    Memorial Hall
    10 mins
    • Plenary
    Vincent Brain
    Vincent Brain - Bridge2Food
    JoAnne Berkenkamp
    JoAnne Berkenkamp, Managing Director - MBOLD
09:15
  1. Fireside Chat: Leading with Purpose - Accelerating Innovation in the Evolving Food Landscape
    Memorial Hall
    25 mins
    • Plenary
    Leaders from the food industry have a candid discussion on how they are driving innovation across the protein and food value chains. The conversation will highlight how purposeful leadership, collaboration, and long-term strategy are shaping the future of food - while addressing evolving consumer expectations, market dynamics, and sustainability goals.
    Brian Kocher
    Brian Kocher, CEO - SunOpta
09:45
  1. Panel: What's the Future of the UPF Debate?
    Memorial Hall
    45 mins
    • Plenary
    Addresses the rising critique of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) within the plant-based and alt-protein sectors. Experts debate nutritional science, clean-label strategies, and how brands can balance processing with functionality, nutrition, and taste. Topics covered will include the rising concern over food dyes and other additives, seed oils, and other ingredients commonly used in the plant-based industry and beyond.
    Annie Ryu
    Annie Ryu, CEO & Founder - Jack & Annie's
    Adria Campbell
    Adria Campbell, CRO - MALK Organics
    Adam Melonas
    Adam Melonas, CEO - CHEW
    Margie Best
    Margie Best, Global Business Development Manager Nutrition - Ashland
10:35
  1. Revolutionizing Food Innovation: How GLP-1 Drugs Are Shaping Consumer Demand and Product Strategy
    Memorial Hall
    25 mins
    • Plenary
    This presentation analyzes the sweeping impact of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs on food choices, snacking habits, and product design. Food companies are racing to meet demand for high-protein, portion-controlled, and functional foods that support satiety and wellness.
11:30
  1. U.S. Public Policy and the Alternative Protein Sector
    25 mins
    • Plenary
    This session examines how U.S. politics and trade shifts under the Trump administration are influencing food prices, product availability, and consumer spending. From tariffs on key ingredients to regulatory changes and inflation pressures, panelists will explore how policy is shaping what Americans eat, how it’s made, and what it costs.
    Joe Balagtas
    Joe Balagtas, Professor - Purdue University
12:00
  1. Panel: The Forefront of Research in Alternative Protein
    Memorial Hall
    45 mins
    • Plenary
    Highlights cutting-edge research on cultivated, fermented, and plant-based proteins. Topics include protein functionality, nutrient bioavailability, novel protein sources, sustainability metrics, and novel scaffolding materials. Bringing world experts in the academic world is critical for bridging lab breakthroughs with commercial scalability.
    Pam Ismail
    Pam Ismail - PPIC
12:50
  1. Track Introductions
    Memorial Hall
    10 mins
    • Plenary
    Sara Rosene
    Sara Rosene, Associate Principal Scientist - General Mills
13:00
  1. Lunch Break
    Exhibit Area
    60 mins
    • Break
    • Networking Opportunities
14:00
  1. Track 1 Opening
    Memorial Hall
    5 mins
    • Track 1: Market & Consumer Insights
  2. Track 2 Opening
    Johnson Great Room
    5 mins
    • Track 2: Product Development & Processing Innoovations
    Sara Rosene
    Sara Rosene, Associate Principal Scientist - General Mills
14:05
  1. Technological Developments for Alternative Proteins from Oilseeds
    Johnson Great Room
    25 mins
    • Track 2: Product Development & Processing Innoovations
  2. Where are food investments going in 2026: Innovative food tech vs back-to-better-basics
    25 mins
    • Track 1: Market & Consumer Insights
    Examines the bifurcation in food tech funding between “moonshot” innovation (e.g., cell-cultured meat) and “back-to-basics” trends (e.g., whole-food simplicity). VC leaders share where capital is flowing amid cautious market sentiment and pressure for near-term returns.
    Craig Hanna
    Craig Hanna, Founding Partner - Power Sustainable Lios
14:35
  1. Partner Presentation - More Information Coming Soon...
    Memorial Hall
    25 mins
    • Track 1: Market & Consumer Insights
  2. The Rise of Fungi: Transforming Meat Analogs
    Johnson Great Room
    25 mins
    • Track 2: Product Development & Processing Innoovations
15:05
  1. Labeling of Plant-Based Food According to the New FDA Standards
    Memorial Hall
    25 mins
    • Track 1: Market & Consumer Insights
    Breaks down the FDA’s evolving approach to labeling plant-based foods, including the February 2024 draft guidance on plant-based milk alternatives and the newly proposed front-of-pack (FOP) nutrition label initiative. With the FDA pushing for greater transparency and consistency, companies may soon need to clarify nutritional differences compared to animal-derived products and navigate new FOP disclosures highlighting calories, added sugars, and saturated fat. How will discuss how these developments could impact consumer perception, packaging decisions, and marketing strategies, especially as demand grows for clarity on healthfulness and sustainability in plant-based and alternative protein categories?
  2. Capturing the Power of Plant-Based & Clean Label Innovation
    Johnson Great Room
    25 mins
    • Track 2: Product Development & Processing Innoovations
15:35
  1. Beyond Plant-Based Analogs
    Memorial Hall
    25 mins
    • Track 1: Market & Consumer Insights
  2. Future-proofing Supply Chains: Innovation in Egg Substitutes
    Johnson Great Room
    25 mins
    • Track 2: Product Development & Processing Innoovations
16:00
  1. Coffee Break
    30 mins
    • Break
    • Networking Opportunities
16:35
  1. Panel: From Soil Health to Consumer Trust - The Critical Role of Regenerative Agriculture in Food Innovation
    Memorial Hall
    25 mins
    • Track 1: Market & Consumer Insights
    This panel explores how regenerative agriculture is shaping sourcing strategies and storytelling in alternative proteins. Food companies are embedding soil health metrics into procurement, partnering with growers, and using verified claims to build consumer trust. Transparency and third-party validation are key to avoiding greenwashing and meeting evolving retailer and ESG expectations.
  2. Oxidation is Destroying Plant Protein Quality: This is How to Prevent It
    Johnson Great Room
    25 mins
    • Track 2: Product Development & Processing Innoovations
17:05
  1. The Best of Both Worlds: How Hybrids Are Reshaping the Future of Meat and Plant-Based Eating
    Memorial Hall
    25 mins
    • Track 1: Market & Consumer Insights
    Michael Fox
    Michael Fox, CEO & Co-Founder - Fable Foods
  2. Partner Presentation - More Information Coming Soon...
    Johnson Great Room
    25 mins
    • Track 2: Product Development & Processing Innoovations
17:35
  1. Retail Product Innovation Insights: Catering to Consumers with Food Allergies and GLP-1 Users
    Memorial Hall
    25 mins
    • Track 1: Market & Consumer Insights
    Kathy Risch
    Kathy Risch, Senior Vice President - Acosta
  2. Panel: Clean Label Trends & Product Reformulations
    Johnson Great Room
    25 mins
    • Track 2: Product Development & Processing Innoovations
19:00
  1. Summit Dinner
    Nicollet Island Pavilion
    195 mins
    • Networking Opportunities
    • Summit Dinner
19:30
  1. MBOLD + Consulate of Canada Innovation Pitch Slam
    Nicollet Island Pavilion
    60 mins
    • Summit Dinner
    • Start-Up Pitch Slam
08:00
  1. Registration
    60 mins
    • Registration
  2. Light Breakfast
    Exhibit Area
    60 mins
    • Break
    • Networking Opportunities
09:00
  1. Panel: From Minnesota to the World: Inside MBOLD’s Protein Catalyst
    Memorial Hall
    25 mins
    • Plenary
09:30
  1. Track 1 Opening
    Memorial Hall
    5 mins
    • Track 1: Market & Consumer Insights
  2. Track 2 Opening
    Johnson Great Room
    5 mins
    • Track 2: Product Development & Processing Innoovations
09:35
  1. The Gut Health Trend in Plant-based Dairy: Consumer Demand & Functionality
    Memorial Hall
    25 mins
    • Track 1: Market & Consumer Insights
  2. Partner Presentation - More Information Coming Soon...
    Johnson Great Room
    25 mins
    • Track 2: Product Development & Processing Innoovations
10:05
  1. Panel: Convenience Meets Customization: The Future of Snacks, RTE Meals, and Personalized Nutrition
    Memorial Hall
    25 mins
    • Track 1: Market & Consumer Insights
  2. Advancing Fat Alternatives: Precision-Fermented and Plant-Derived Oils
    Johnson Great Room
    25 mins
    • Track 2: Product Development & Processing Innoovations
10:30
  1. Coffee Break
    Exhibit Area
    30 mins
    • Break
11:00
  1. Rethinking Dairy: Specialty Plant-Based Innovation with Superfoods and Uncommon Ingredients
    Memorial Hall
    25 mins
    • Track 1: Market & Consumer Insights
  2. Panel: Process Equipment for Innovative Food Manufacturers - Hurdles and New Solutions
    Johnson Great Room
    25 mins
    • Track 2: Product Development & Processing Innoovations
    Auroni Majumdar
    Auroni Majumdar, Vice President, R&D Global Innovation - CJ
    Laura Yee
    Laura Yee, Sr Director Processing Engineering - Upside Foods
    Courtney Benson
    Courtney Benson, Director, R&D - BlueNalu
11:30
  1. Private Label Growth: Potential & Impact on CPGs
    Memorial Hall
    25 mins
    • Track 1: Market & Consumer Insights
    John Baumgartner
    John Baumgartner, Managing Director - Mizohu Group
  2. Pioneering the Future of High-value Finfish: Cultivated Seafood Product Development
    Johnson Great Room
    25 mins
    • Track 2: Product Development & Processing Innoovations
12:00
  1. Smart & Lean Processing for Small-Scale Efficiency
    Johnson Great Room
    25 mins
    • Track 2: Product Development & Processing Innoovations
  2. Panel: Foodservice in the Spotlight: What Works, What Doesn’t, and What’s Still Missing
    Memorial Hall
    25 mins
    • Track 1: Market & Consumer Insights
12:30
  1. Winning on Social Media: Strategic Communication for Food Brands
    Memorial Hall
    30 mins
    • Track 1: Market & Consumer Insights
  2. Panel: Functional Ingredients & Fermentation: Crafting Next-Gen Dairy Alternatives
    Johnson Great Room
    25 mins
    • Track 2: Product Development & Processing Innoovations
    Adam Tarshis
    Adam Tarshis, CEO - MOZZA
13:00
  1. Lunch Break
    Exhibit Area
    60 mins
    • Break
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