FoodYoung opens groundbreaking innovation facility in Balerna, Switzerland

Valley partner, FoodYoung, a full-stack innovation lab and venture studio dedicated to transforming the food industry has officially opened its new state-of-the-art facility in Balerna, Switzerland. Combining cutting-edge food science, advanced food technology, and culinary excellence, the new facility is set to accelerate the development and production of sustainable, health-focused, and exceptional-tasting food products.

Located in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland with close proximity to Italy’s renowned culinary culture, the Balerna facility offers end-to-end product development solutions under one roof. FoodYoung can develop, prototype, and scale products in just one to three months—far faster than the industry norm.

A New Era of Food Innovation

“Our new facility in Balerna is more than just a lab; it’s a platform for innovation where food science meets technology and culinary expertise,” shared Abouzar Rahmani, Founder and CEO of FoodYoung. “We believe that the future of food needs to be co-created, and this facility allows us to collaborate with startups, established companies, and entrepreneurs to create marketable solutions that are healthier, more sustainable, and taste exceptional.”

Pioneering a One-Stop Solution for Food Industry Challenges

The Balerna facility is equipped to develop and produce a wide range of products across six categories, including frozen products such as ice cream and meals, baked goods, bars, various types of snacks, chocolates and spreads. FoodYoung is able to develop 1000+ prototypes per year and has a production capacity of 14+ million packs and 800+ tons of finished food products annually. Its comprehensive capabilities enable FoodYoung to serve not only its own portfolio ventures but also provide services to partners looking for faster, more agile product development processes.

FoodYoung stands out for its collaborative approach. The company partners with renowned retailers, influencers, and other innovators to co- create food ventures. By combining cutting-edge food science and technology with culinary mastery, FoodYoung is positioned to solve the food industry’s challenges collectively, rather than individually.

Leadership Driving Innovation

Founded by Abouzar Rahmani, a serial entrepreneur with deep roots in the agri-food industry, FoodYoung is supported by a highly skilled leadership team. Funda Dilmaghanian, Co-founder and Chief Operations Officer leads operational excellence, while Julia Rahmani as Co-founder and Chief Sustainability Officer heads sustainability initiatives, ensuring that the company’s practices align with its core values of health, taste, and sustainability.

“Our goal is to push the boundaries of what’s possible in food innovation,” added Rahmani. “We are not just creating products; we are reshaping the industry.”

A Hub for Innovation and Collaboration

The new Balerna facility encapsulates FoodYoung’s mission: to be a one stop shop where food innovation happens at record speed. From formulation and prototyping to pilot production and commercialization, the facility’s streamlined processes are designed to bring new products to market faster than traditional methods, run by an agile and forward- thinking team.

About FoodYoung

FoodYoung is a full-stack innovation lab and venture studio that combines food science, technology, and culinary expertise to create the next generation of sustainable, health-focused food products. Based in Balerna, Switzerland, FoodYoung offers end-to-end solutions, from formulation to scale production, across six product categories. With a commitment to collaboration, co-creation, and innovation, FoodYoung partners with startups, entrepreneurs, and established companies to bring breakthrough food products to market.

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