MeliBio, a California-based leader in bee-free food innovation, has been acquired by Swiss company FoodYoung Labs. FoodYoung Labs is a vertically integrated food group specializing in clean ingredients, transparent sourcing, and food science. The acquisition includes MeliBio’s Mellody® brand, its “Generation 1” technology, and related intellectual property. This move marks a significant step forward in sustainable food development and alternative protein solutions.
FoodYoung Labs develops high-quality snacks, chocolates, spreads, baked goods, and frozen products. The company emphasizes healthy food options backed by transparent ingredient sourcing and rigorous scientific and culinary expertise. Its diverse portfolio includes brands such as ZAZ, Kakoo, Bonnap, FRŸZE, Mani, and CimaNorma, demonstrating its broad market reach in Europe and the US.
MeliBio is renowned for creating the world’s first plant-based honey, Mellody®. Its debut was with Eleven Madison Park, a prestigious three-Michelin-starred restaurant. Using plant-science techniques, MeliBio’s honey replaces invasive honeybees, addressing food security and supply challenges. The company’s scalable approach has enabled expansion from high-end restaurants to major retailers like Aldi. This demonstrates Mellody®’s potential to revolutionize the honey industry sustainably.
This acquisition signifies a new phase of food tech innovation, combining FoodYoung Labs’ expertise in clean, science-driven food solutions with MeliBio’s bee-free technology. It aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of sustainable, planet-friendly food products that align with evolving consumer preferences. The collaboration emphasizes ethical sourcing, transparency, and cutting-edge innovation in food manufacturing.
Abouzar Rahmani, Founder and CEO of FoodYoung Labs, highlighted that blending culinary art with science and ethical sourcing shapes the future of food. He stated their Swiss innovation lab and US market presence will elevate Mellody® into a clean-label, unrefined product.
Darko Mandich, Co-Founder and CEO of MeliBio, expressed enthusiasm about leveraging FoodYoung Labs’ expertise. He noted that established companies are vital for advancing food tech innovation.
