CARROT VENTURES SEEKS NEW TECHNOLOGIES
To Keep Food Fresher, Longer
Did you know that 46% of the food produced in Canada is wasted? Forty-one percent of this waste is considered avoidable. Losses result from processing, packaging, transportation practices and the inherent perishability of produce and food products.
Perishables lose their freshness quickly; their appearance, texture, and taste change with age, diminishing their appeal, leading to spoilage and waste.
This avoidable food waste is valued at $58 billion per year.
Losses Continue in the Home
Canadian households waste an average of ~140 kg of food per year. Nearly 2.3 million tonnes in total, with an estimated value of $20–21 billion, or about $1,300 per household.
The estimated annual global food waste from retail, household and food services is over one billion tonnes.
The Challenge
The key challenge is how to keep fresh food from spoiling so quickly. The problem is not limited to food preservation. To make a difference, technologies must address one or more of the following challenges:
- Decay – bacteria, yeasts, moulds proliferate under favourable conditions
- Enzymatic Degradation – browning, softening, respiration
- Oxidation and Chemical Degradation – lipid oxidation, nutrient breakdown
- Physical & Mechanical Damage – bruising and temperature shock
- Limited Monitoring – insufficient real-time information to prevent spoilage
Opportunities for Innovation
We’re seeking innovations such as:
- natural preservatives
- novel packaging technologies
- food freshness sensors
- AI-driven freshness management tools
Why Freshness is a Compelling Opportunity
The global food technology market is valued at over USD 200 billion and projected to grow at nearly 9% annually, driven by packaging, sensors, and preservation technologies. (Global Market Insights, 2024)
Freshness and preservation technologies are attractive investments for several reasons:
- There is a well-established and globally accessible market
- Extending shelf life even modestly can dramatically improve margins on produce, meat, dairy, and specialty goods.
- Not just about margins, it impacts food security and reduces both waste and greenhouse gases.
- Intellectual Property (IP) can be highly leveraged
Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking IP owners with technologies that have a:
- Clear path to scale and adoption
- Defensible differentiation
- Strong IP position
- Alignment with consumer and supply-chain trends
Carrot invites IP owners, AgTech and FoodTech innovators whose technologies are in the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5–7 range or above to reach out.
TRL 5 – technology validated in relevant environments.
TRL 6 – prototype demonstrated in operational environments.
TRL 7 – system prototype demonstrated in full-scale, real-world settings.
In plain terms: your innovation works in practice, but still needs strategy and execution across product development, market development, commercialization, and integration into the agricultural supply chain – all of which require operational and team execution and capital.
Let’s Tackle Food Freshness Together
If you have a validated food freshness or preservation technology let’s turn your IP into a company. Contact Us Now
Why Carrot Ventures
Carrot Ventures is a venture studio that creates and finances new companies to commercialize early-stage AgTech and food technologies. Our model provides:
- Company building – Business structure, leadership, and go-to-market expertise.
- Capital – For commercialization and scaling.
- Partnerships – Access to networks across Canadian and North American agriculture.
For many innovators, the biggest hurdle isn’t proving the science, it’s crossing the commercialization gap. Carrot Ventures exists to bridge this gap.
Next Steps
For innovators and IP owners: If you’ve developed technology for extending freshness. Contact Us to explore whether Carrot Ventures is the right approach to commercialize your technology.
For advisors, consultants, and industry professionals: If you know innovators working on freshness extension, consider sharing this article with them. Your introduction could help launch the next FoodTech company.
Download our free eBook to learn how Carrot turns AgTech IP into market-ready companies.
