From food waste to profit: How Nestlé, Planethic Group, and HelloFresh are capitalizing on the latest megatrends

Nestlé – Breaking new ground

In an industry that is changing at a rapid pace, even the giant Nestlé has recognized that it needs to reinvent itself. The Company is betting everything on future trends and focusing heavily on the boom in plant-based proteins. Nestlé has just launched over 25 new products, from milk-free yogurts to plant-based meat alternatives, which consumers in more than 30 countries can now buy. The Company aims to generate a whopping USD 1.4 billion in sales in this segment by 2026. At the same time, Nestlé is working on future technologies such as precision fermentation to refine flavors and make production even more efficient.

But that is not all. Nestlé is also thinking ahead in other areas. With a new research center, the Company is now going all out. This center will conduct research in areas such as robotics and AI. The end products are expected to range from smart kitchen appliances that make everyday life easier to personalized nutrition solutions. Another focus is on research into bioactive substances such as synbiotics. The Company aims to position itself in the rapidly growing health market and secure long-term growth.

This strategic realignment is taking place during a turbulent phase. Following the surprising dismissal of the previous CEO, Philipp Navratil is now at the helm. His task now is to pick up the pace of innovation and regain the trust of investors. The big question for the new management will be whether it can translate all this momentum into profitable growth. The next quarterly figures will be an important initial indicator of sentiment in this regard. The share is currently trading at CHF 75.29.

Planethic Group – From vegan retailer to foodtech pioneer

The Planethic Group, formerly Veganz Group, has undergone a radical transformation, driving innovation in liquid foods through its 2D printing technology. The Company's core business no longer revolves solely around oat milk, but around an entirely new production format for beverages and food. With "Mililk," the Company has created a technology platform that can be flexibly applied across multiple product categories. This versatility opens up numerous long-term growth opportunities beyond the milk alternative market. The Company's acquisition of Suplabs further strengthens its position, creating a foothold in the direct-to-consumer nutritional supplement segment.

In the future, the portfolio will be strategically expanded to include juices, smoothies, and functional beverages, as demonstrated by partnerships with Lassonde and Jindilli. The technology enables "ready-to-mix" products ranging from protein drinks to enriched soups, all of which benefit from the same logistical advantages. Planethic is already developing special barista variants and basic products for the catering industry that can be used directly in system catering. This diversification makes the Company less dependent on individual trends. The B2B sector offers the greatest short-term scaling potential here.

The long-term vision goes far beyond beverages. The patented technology is also to be made available to partners as a licensing model. In the medium term, Planethic is targeting the entire market for functional foods and health drinks, with the sustainable alternative to single-use liquids in communal catering representing another key segment. This strategic expansion of the addressable market underscores the long-term growth potential. Planethic is thus positioning itself as a technology leader for a more sustainable food supply. After rising significantly since April, the share price is currently in a consolidation phase and is presently trading at EUR 12.10. Analysts' price targets range between EUR 21.50 and EUR 26.00.

HelloFresh – More than just a meal kit

For HelloFresh, precise demand planning and lean supply chains are not a side issue, but the foundation of the business. In a dynamic food market, the Company relies entirely on data-driven processes to set itself apart from the competition. HelloFresh has shaped the home cooking market, but the Company is thinking ahead. In addition to classic meal kits, the provider is increasingly pushing into the ready-made meal segment, known as "ready-to-eat". This strategic expansion aims to attract new customer groups who prioritize convenience. At the same time, the Company is fully committed to data-driven processes in order to optimize its complex supply chain and stabilize margins. This dual focus, opening up new markets while streamlining operations, is characteristic of the current phase.

However, HelloFresh is currently facing headwinds. A public health warning in the US for two ready meals that may be contaminated with Listeria is weighing on sentiment. Although these are products from a supplier and only a small part of the range, the damage to the Company's image in an already demanding market is significant. At the same time, the annual forecast for operating profit has been revised downward, further dampening investor expectations. This once again highlights the challenges facing the US business with the Factor brand.

These operational setbacks coincide with a change in leadership. Co-founder Thomas Griesel, a formative figure, is expected to leave the Company in April 2026. His successor in international business has not yet been announced. This change in the management team comes at a delicate time and raises questions about the future strategic direction. It is now crucial for investors to observe how the Company masters this transition phase and realizes the planned efficiency gains of over EUR 300 million despite the adversities. A share certificate currently costs EUR 7.744.

The food industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation, driven by technological innovations and sustainability. Nestlé is pushing ahead with its strategic realignment with massive investments in plant-based proteins and precision fermentation. As a transformed foodtech pioneer, Planethic Group is focusing on scaling into various food sectors and global expansion with its space-saving oat milk "Mililk". Following operational setbacks and a change in leadership, HelloFresh must prove that its data-driven expansion into new markets is sustainably profitable.