--- title: Keys to Effective FoodTech Co-Development Partnerships description: Four considerations when approaching a foodtech co-development partnership image: https://ladder17.com/hubfs/iStock-1327977776.jpg --- [![Ladder17 Logo - Alt](https://ladder17.com/hubfs/Ladder17%20Image%20Assets/Ladder17%20Logo%20-%20Alt.svg "Ladder17 Logo - Alt")](https://www.ladder17.com) - [Home](https://ladder17.com) - [Services](https://ladder17.com/services) - [Tech & FoodTech Marketing Consulting & Strategy](https://ladder17.com/marketing-consulting-strategy) - [Marketing Planning](https://ladder17.com/marketing-plan-development-and-implementation) - [Thought Leadership & PR](https://ladder17.com/foodtech-thought-leadership-and-pr) - [New Product Launches](https://ladder17.com/new-product-launches) - Case Studies - [Famous Software](https://ladder17.com/famous-software-case-study) - [Pairwise](https://ladder17.com/pairwise-case-study) - [Conscious Greens](https://ladder17.com/conscious-greens-case-study) - Insights - [News, Events & Content](https://ladder17.com/ladder-17-events-and-content) - [Blog](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog) - [FoodTech Stories Podcast](https://ladder17.com/foodtech-stories-podcast) - [2025 Report - Understanding the U.S. Consumer for FoodTech Foods](https://ladder17.com/understanding-us-consumers-for-foodtech-foods) - [Contact](https://ladder17.com/ladder-17-contact) - [Team](https://ladder17.com/team) - [Careers](https://ladder17.com/careers) [![Ladder17 Logo - Alt](https://ladder17.com/hubfs/Ladder17%20Image%20Assets/Ladder17%20Logo%20-%20Alt.svg "Ladder17 Logo - Alt")](https://www.ladder17.com) - [Home](https://ladder17.com) - [Services](https://ladder17.com/services) - [Tech & FoodTech Marketing Consulting & Strategy](https://ladder17.com/marketing-consulting-strategy) - [Marketing Planning](https://ladder17.com/marketing-plan-development-and-implementation) - [Thought Leadership & PR](https://ladder17.com/foodtech-thought-leadership-and-pr) - [New Product Launches](https://ladder17.com/new-product-launches) - Case Studies - [Famous Software](https://ladder17.com/famous-software-case-study) - [Pairwise](https://ladder17.com/pairwise-case-study) - [Conscious Greens](https://ladder17.com/conscious-greens-case-study) - Insights - [News, Events & Content](https://ladder17.com/ladder-17-events-and-content) - [Blog](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog) - [FoodTech Stories Podcast](https://ladder17.com/foodtech-stories-podcast) - [2025 Report - Understanding the U.S. Consumer for FoodTech Foods](https://ladder17.com/understanding-us-consumers-for-foodtech-foods) - [Contact](https://ladder17.com/ladder-17-contact) - [Team](https://ladder17.com/team) - [Careers](https://ladder17.com/careers) [Food+Tech Acceptance](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/foodtech-acceptance) [Marketing for Founders](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/marketing-for-founders) [Communication Strategies](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/communication-strategies) # Keys to Effective FoodTech Co-Development Partnerships By [Megan Thomas](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/author/megan-thomas) Dec 9, 2025, 9:13:19 AM 1 Minute Read What does it take for a foodtech startup to successfully partner with a major CPG or ingredient company? Innovation leaders from [Danone](https://www.linkedin.com/company/danone/), [Nestlé](https://www.linkedin.com/company/nestle-s-a-/) and [Ingredion Incorporated](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ingredion-incorporated/) joined a [MISTA](https://www.linkedin.com/company/mistafood/) virtual panel that I moderated last month to share their perspectives. Key recommendations were: 1. **Get to know the innovation strategies of a potential partner:** Food and beverage companies are looking for technologies that are particularly relevant to their strategic initiatives. This information is readily available on company websites or in news announcements. 2. **Look for the sweet spot:** Having an existing commercial or brand need can accelerate organizational engagement. Pitching partners should listen for the topics and needs that their potential partner is looking to address. 3. **Set realistic expectations:** Development timelines for products made with emerging technology can take years, especially in Europe. Constraints such as volume considerations and people resources should be addressed early. Having candid discussions throughout the pitch or collaboration process is essential. 4. **You need buzz:** Create the right "FOMO" in the ecosystem for new technology in order to advance innovation and drive adoption. Don’t go it alone. Work with organizations like MISTA or conveners of food systems or technology innovation events or roundtables to work shoulder-to-shoulder with leaders who share a common vision. Also, consider crafting a thought leadership or stakeholder engagement strategy with a messaging consultant. All-in-all, greater communication and alignment will ensure more timely and meaningful innovation gets to store shelves and restaurant tables. #### Megan Thomas Megan M. Thomas is the Founder & CEO of Ladder 17. She has worked in marketing and communications for over 30 years. She served most recently as Vice President, Marketing and Communications for mission-driven, CRISPR food company Pairwise. She is a published author. Author ## Recommended For You [![](https://ladder17.com/hubfs/Two%20creative%20millenial%20small%20business%20owners%20working%20on%20social%20media%20strategy%20using%20a%20digital%20tablet%20while%20sitting%20in%20staircase.jpeg)](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/10-questions-to-vet-a-foodtech-marketing-agency) [Marketing for Founders](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/marketing-for-founders) [Efficient Marketing Spending](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/efficient-marketing-spending) [Brand Building](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/brand-building) 2 Min Read ### [10 Questions to Vet a FoodTech Marketing Agency](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/10-questions-to-vet-a-foodtech-marketing-agency) [Megan Thomas May 15, 2026, 8:14:50 AM](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/author/megan-thomas) [![Consumer Perceptions of Foodtech Foods 1](https://ladder17.com/hubfs/FoodTech%20Lab%20Small.png)](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/what-do-consumers-think-about-food-and-technology) [Food+Tech Acceptance](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/foodtech-acceptance) [Consumer Behavior](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/consumer-behavior) 1 Min Read ### [How Do Consumers Evaluate Food+Tech Foods?](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/what-do-consumers-think-about-food-and-technology) [Megan Thomas Mar 11, 2024, 8:46:22 AM](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/author/megan-thomas) [![The Purpose-Driven Brand](https://ladder17.com/hubfs/Focused%20Woman%20Small.jpg)](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/the-purpose-driven-brand) [Purpose-Driven Brands](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/purpose-driven-brands) ### [The Purpose-Driven Brand](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/the-purpose-driven-brand) [Megan Thomas Mar 7, 2024, 8:00:00 AM](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/author/megan-thomas) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ladder-17-llc) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/Ladder17LLC) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp_VuG1-5cnIV3GW5XZgMRA) ![Ladder17 Logo - Alt](https://ladder17.com/hubfs/Ladder17%20Image%20Assets/Ladder17%20Logo%20-%20Alt.svg "Ladder17 Logo - Alt") © 2026 Ladder 17 LLC #### [Privacy Policy](https://ladder17.com/ladder17-privacy-policy)