Nomad Foods unveils Future Foods Lab to fast-track startup innovation through venture clienting

• Startups stand to benefit from a paying customer relationship with Nomad Foods, as well as access to a test and learn environment across Europe
• The first challenge will focus on functional nutrition, exploring both Ready-to-Eat and Ready-to-Cook solutions to mealtime occasions

WOKING, England – June 4th, 2025 – Nomad Foods Limited (NYSE: NOMD), Europe’s leading frozen food company and owner of brands including Birds Eye, Ledo, iglo, Findus and Frikom, has launched its Future Foods Lab, a bold new venture clienting initiative, in partnership with global innovation network, Innoget. As part of Nomad Foods’ innovation strategy, the Future Foods Lab will explore market-ready solutions proposed by startups to address key business challenges, which can then be piloted and scaled across Europe.

Open to startups looking to scale their products or services, the Future Foods Lab will offers a unique opportunity whereby those who apply will benefit from:

• A paying customer relationship with Nomad Foods
• Access to a test and learn environment with real-world validation
• Deep industry immersion in frozen food manufacturing and global supply chains
• Mentorship from cross-functional experts in R&D, marketing, procurement, and more
• Opportunities for co-branding, commercial scaling, and long-term partnerships

The programme’s first ‘challenge’ will focus on functional nutrition. With consumers increasingly seeking food that supports immunity, gut health, hydration and energy, Nomad Foods is calling on startups to help redefine what it means to eat well. Key challenges will include enhancing nutritional density without compromising on taste, delivering natural energy and protein-rich options, and innovating with sustainably sourced ingredients. Specifically, the business is interested in Ready-to-Eat (RTE) and Ready-to-Cook (RTC) concepts that can cater to a variety of mealtime occasions.

Carly Arnold, Chief RDQ Officer at Nomad Foods, said: “In today’s rapidly evolving food and nutrition landscape, speed and collaboration are key to staying ahead. That’s why we’ve launched the Future Foods Lab, a dynamic platform designed to connect with high-potential startups and act as an early stage partner in bringing ideas to life. This initiative is more than just a pipeline for new products and ideas though; it’s a strategic commitment to shaping the future of mealtimes through agile, collaborative innovation.

“By partnering with visionary entrepreneurs and cutting-edge companies, we aim to accelerate the development of healthier, more sustainable frozen food options for consumers across Europe, forging meaningful partnerships that drive real impact along the way.”

Nomad Foods brands’ have a rich heritage of innovation given the Birds Eye brand pioneered the frozen food category 100 years ago. More recently, Nomad Foods has revealed industry-leading research exploring changes to the temperature at which frozen food is stored, from -18°C to -15°C, becoming the first food manufacturer to sign up to the Move to -15^oC, an industry coalition launched at COP28 dedicated to cutting carbon emissions in the frozen food supply chain.

The Nomad Foods Future Foods Lab is now open for applications. Deadline for submissions is September 30^th, 2025. Interested startups can find more information and apply at https://futurefoodslab.com/.

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Nomad Foods Media Contact:

Oliver Thomas
Head of Corporate Affairs

oliver.thomas@nomadfoods.com
+44 7568 108744

About Nomad Foods

Nomad Foods (NYSE: NOMD) is Europe’s leading frozen food company. The company's portfolio of iconic brands, which includes Birds Eye, Findus, iglo, Ledo and Frikom, have been a part of consumers' meals for generations, standing for great tasting food that is convenient, high quality and nutritious. Nomad Foods is headquartered in the United Kingdom. Additional information may be found at www.nomadfoods.com.

About Innoget

Innoget is the Open Innovation and Science Network for technology, knowledge and capabilities transfer. Innoget facilitates collaboration between innovation seekers and innovation suppliers such as large enterprises, SMEs, research organizations and innovation professionals actively looking for research, funding and licensing opportunities. Additional information may be found at www.innoget.com.