The realm of drinks and beverages is continuously evolving, driven by rapid technological advancements and the ever-increasing demand for healthier and more sustainable options. The dynamic nature of the beverage industry requires constant innovation and vigilance, making it a top priority for startups, businesses, and consumers worldwide.
Across Europe, innovative startups are leading this transformation, introducing cutting-edge solutions that redefine how we approach beverages. These emerging companies are not just providers of new drinks but are crucial in setting new standards for consumption, health, and sustainability.
For this article, we explored this dynamic sector to curate a list of 10 promising startups driving beverage innovation and contributing to a healthier planet. From Munich to London, and from Vienna to Helsinki, these startups are leveraging advanced technologies and innovative business models to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of beverages.
yfood Labs: Based in Munich, yfood Labs designs smart food solutions for the modern generation. They offer convenient, nutritious meal solutions, including ready-to-drink meals, meal replacement powders, and bars. Their products come in various flavours, including classic, vegan, and fruity options. Ideal for busy lifestyles, YFood provides balanced nutrition with essential nutrients and vitamins. Founded in 2017, they have raised over €231 million to support its mission of providing balanced nutrition on the go.
Waterdrop: This fast-growing hydration brand, based in Vienna, Austria, disrupts the beverage industry with its innovative waterdrop® Microdrink and global hydration platform. Their mission is to encourage people to drink more water sustainably, with sugar-free, flavoured cubes that dissolve in water. They offer a range of dissolvable cubes, including flavoured Microdrinks, instant Microtea, caffeinated Microenergy, and rehydrating Microlyte, as well as reusable glasses and steel bottles. Founded in 2016, Waterdrop has raised €60 million and grown to over 2 million online customers, with products in 20,000 retail outlets.
TRIP: London-based TRIP offers deliciously refreshing, lightly sparkling drinks infused with nature’s botanicals and CBD. Their products support relaxation and provide a healthier alternative to alcohol, being low in calories, sugar-free, and third-party tested for quality. They also offer oils and blends, all designed to help you reset and find your calm. Founded in 2019, TRIP raised €20.2 million to promote relaxation and wellness through their innovative beverages.
Pentire Drinks: Headquartered in Wadebridge, England, Pentire Drinks specialises in crafting botanical non-alcoholic spirits made by distilling unique plants native to the Cornish Coastline. Pentire Drinks offers a healthier choice for those who want to enjoy the flavours of the coast and everyday adventures. Founded in 2019, they have secured over €3.5 million in funding continuing their dedication to creating unique flavours.
Oddlygood Global: Based in Helsinki, Oddlygood creates plant-based, non-dairy, and gluten-free foods and drinks, including oat drinks, cheese alternatives, yoghurts, and desserts. Their products combine great taste with sustainability, challenging the ordinary and celebrating individuality. Founded in 2018 as a spin-off from Finland’s Valio they have raised over €25.7 million
Le Fourgon: Based in France, Le Fourgon delivers drinks and returnable products to homes and offices in many cities across France. Customers select returnable drinks and products online including milk, water, beer, wine, fruit juice, and sodas which are delivered the same day by electric vans. Empty containers are collected, cleaned, and returned to producers for refilling. This service promotes zero waste, supports local producers, and offers practical, eco-friendly convenience. Founded in 2021, the company has raised €17.5 million
HOLY: Berlin-based HOLY specialises in powder-based soft drinks, including energy drinks, iced teas, and hydration beverages, designed for easy mixing. Their products prioritise great taste, environmental friendliness, and affordability. They offer various flavours and related merchandise like shakers and t-shirts. HOLY aims to provide a healthy, sustainable alternative to traditional soft drinks. Founded in 2020, HOLY has raised €10.5 million to provide unique taste experiences with a focus on social responsibility.
Dropz: Located in Switzerland, Dropz creates small aroma pearls from pressed fruits and herbs that transform ordinary water into a flavourful beverage, promoting sustainability and reducing bottled drink consumption. They support PET recycling and provide starter sets with various flavours and reusable bottles. Founded in 2020, Dropz has raised almost €2.5 million, aiming to make tap water appealing without sacrificing taste.
CleanCo: Based in London, CleanCo specialises in producing low-calorie and alcohol-free spirits, catering to consumers who want to moderate their alcohol consumption without compromising the taste. Founded in 2019, CleanCo offers a range of alternatives to whiskey, tequila, gin, and rum. With an impressive funding amount of over €10.6 million, CleanCo is committed to providing delightful beverage options that embrace a mindful approach to drinking.
Aircohol: Oulu-based Aircohol produces drinkable alcohol from CO2 using their proprietary Aircohol® technology, which empowers distilleries and breweries to create sustainable beverages. Their process significantly reduces the carbon footprint, minimises ingredient usage, and transforms CO2 emissions into premium drinks, offering a completely natural and organic solution. Founded in 2022 they have raised over €2.8 million aiming to revolutionise the production of beverages with minimal environmental impact.
By the way: If you’re a corporate or investor looking for exciting startups in a specific market for a potential investment or acquisition, check out our Startup Sourcing Service!
Read the orginal article: https://www.eu-startups.com/2024/06/sips-of-innovation-10-european-startups-shaping-the-future-of-beverages/
