How Plantible Foods Is Unlocking the Power of Plants, IFT FIRST 2025 Trendspotting

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Omnivore

Episode Description

Entrepreneur Tony Martens shares the story of IFT 2025 pitch competition winner Plantible Foods—from the early rough days living on-site in a trailer to the company’s recent success commercializing its plant-based protein ingredient. Food Technology’s editors talk about the hot topics and trends they discovered at IFT FIRST 2025.

This episode of Omnivore is brought to you by IFT Membership. It’s where you belong. As a member, you’ll enjoy a global community united by purpose and driven by science ready to make a lasting impact on the global food system. Visit ift.org/join.

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Featured Guests

Tony Martens

Tony Martens is cofounder of Plantible Foods, a maker of plant-based protein ingredients derived from an aquatic plant called Lemna (aka duckweed). He started his career as a business analyst in the Netherlands before moving to the United States and making the leap into entrepreneurship.

Omnivore

IFT’s Omnivore and Omnivore Presents: SciDish podcasts spark lively, thought-provoking conversations with the science, business, and regulatory leaders shaping the future of food. Each episode delivers sharp analysis, practical insights, and bold ideas designed to challenge assumptions, ignite innovation, and energize your work across the global food system.

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