Food Entrepreneur CHICAGO — Unreasonable Food, a collaboration between Mars and Unreasonable Group, has chosen its first-year cohorts.

Fifteen growth stage ventures who are aiming to scale across the food value chain have been selected to participate in the program that will offer mentorship, access to resources and networks, and collaboration with Mars and other industry leaders.

The companies were chosen based on four pillars: Shaping the Future of Food, Improving Farmer Livelihood, Transforming Food Supply Chains, and Reimagining Sustainable Packaging.

Companies also were selected based on their problem statement and solution mindset, technology readiness and differentiation, funding and traction, potential impact, scalability, and timeline to partner.

As part of its Mars Net Zero Roadmap, cohorts also include those who are aiming to reduce greenhouse gases and carbon emissions and innovative thinking for more circular packaging.

“We are excited to welcome these ventures to the Unreasonable Food family,” said Daniel Epstein, chief executive officer of Unreasonable Group. “Their innovative solutions and commitment to creating a more regenerative, inclusive, and equitable future of food align perfectly with our mission. We look forward to supporting their growth and connecting them with Mars to drive lasting mutual impact and value.”

The list of cohorts in the food and beverage industry include:

  • MycoTechnology: a company that increases the availability of health, sustainable, and high-quality food ingredients through mushroom fermentation.
  • Voyage Foods: a company that aims to recreate pantry staples using sustainable ingredients and sourcing practices.
  • String Bio: a company that provides carbon-negative ingredients derived from methane for human and animal consumption.
  • Air Protein: a company that produces protein and other sustainable food ingredients using carbon-negative gas fermentation process.
“At Mars Snacking, our purpose is inspiring moments of everyday happiness,” said Amanda Davies, chief R&D, procurement and sustainability officer for Mars Snacking. “We’re thrilled to deliver on that mission through Unreasonable Food in support of innovative ventures that have the potential to transform our food systems and contribute to Mars sustainability goals.” 


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