NFX NOW SYMPOSIUM

NEWFOOD X NOW Conference from Sun 8 Feb until Tues 10 Feb 2026

Get ready to experience a comprehensive collection of conference highlights that includes keynote speeches and discussion panels, startup pitches and gastro/food/startup masterclasses. Benefit from industry expertise and shared professional experiences. Our Expo and Networking Nights round off what is already an impressive programme.

Our conference on the first floor of the ICS International Conference Center will begin every day at 10.20 am with a welcome address and introductory keynote.

The first programme block will start on all four stages, with the respective programmes taking place from 11 am to 1 pm. These are then followed by lunch from 1 pm to 3 pm.

The second block of programmes will then commence on all stages from 3 pm until 5 pm.

From 6 pm until 10 pm on Sunday and Monday, our big Newfood Networking hall parties will be held in our Expo zone in the ICS Foyer.

Our 2026 programme and schedule

10:20

RE:Start Food & Cuisine

RE:Start Food & Cuisine – What conference participants can expect from the NEWFOOD X 2026 event – welcome address and opening note to officially start the conference.

 

Mark Leinemann

Co-Founder & President, Crowdfoods

11:00

Some seaweed, some Seamore. A story about a food scaleup.

Willem shares the story of his journey with Seamore, the seaweed food pioneer: how a dinner at a restaurant in Ibiza sparked a company that put seaweed on the global map; how a small startup CEO sent shivers down the spines of the world’s largest food corporations; and how a success story on the outside turned out to be an intense struggle behind the scenes. In an interactive talk, Willem openly shares the lessons he learned – unapologetically honest about the good, the bad, and the surprising.

Keynote in English.

Willem Sodderland

Serial Entrepreneur and Scaleup Coach

11:15

Discussion panel: Food innovation in the Netherlands

This discussion panel will look at why food innovation has become so successful in the Netherlands. Are the people here simply born with the food entrepreneur gene? Or does it have something to do with their innovation system? Exploring the food innovation DNA of the Netherlands.

Inez van Oord

Co-founder, Fiber Foods

Jochem Wolthuis

Ambassador for “The New Protein NL Partner for Germany” – for a plant-based diet in the neighbouring countries of Germany and the Netherlands, Duitsland Desk Agri, Food & Flowers Duitsland Desk Agri, Food & Flowers

Willem Sodderland

Serial Entrepreneur and Scaleup Coach

12:00

Keynote: Future fungal food – Sustainable, innovative and slow processed

The presentation from Leo Schuster will look at a new, independent category: Fungal Food. And demonstrate that “new food” doesn’t need to be highly processed, but “slow processed” is an option too.

 

Leo Schuster

Founder of Fungi Feeds, Product Developer, Fungal Food Pioneer, Urban Planner, Fungi Feeds

12:15

Discussion panel: Are mushrooms the new meat?

Together with business entrepreneurs, we will be discussing why mushrooms, gourmet mushrooms in particular, represent a new alternative to meat substitutes, the potential they have and what sourcing and the supply chain look like for this new category.

Sarah Schlingloff

Co-Founder, NEW ERA FOOD

Anja Gorny

Partnerships Manager at Infinite Roots – Ecotrophologist/Food Scientist, Infinite Roots/MushRoots

Christoph Ratke

Founder & CEO, AgDoIT GmbH

Leo Schuster

Founder of Fungi Feeds, Product Developer, Fungal Food Pioneer, Urban Planner, Fungi Feeds

13:00

Lunch & Expo Visit (13:00 – 15:00)

Enjoy the break, discover innovative new food and try the latest creations that represent the future of gastronomy and the food industry at our NEWFOOD X Expo.

15:00

Keynote: Revolution in the microcosm

Join Martin as he takes a deep dive into the world of food fermentation – whether it’s new Mycelium-based products, the traditional fermentation processes seen in kimchee or sauerkraut, or the use of Kombucha fermentation for the production of new non-alcoholic proxy beverages such as sparkling tea.

Martin Reich

Biologist, Author, Science Communicator

15:15

Keynote: Fermentation as a key to food innovation

During her presentation on food fermentation, Sandra Fleischmann will explain the various technologies used in the fermentation of foodstuffs, share exciting new information about the ICFF fermentation process from NOI Techpark and introduce the latest projects of the NOI lab for fermentation and connections with other food labs.

Sandra Fleischmann

Subject Matter Expert for “Optimal Processing & Fermentation”, NOI Techpark Südtirol

15:30

Discussion panel: Is fermentation the food solution of the future?

Experts and startup founders will be joining us to discuss the extent to which food fermentation is one of the next key technologies for food development. A startup company (tba) will be joining the panel.

Sandra Fleischmann

Subject Matter Expert for “Optimal Processing & Fermentation”, NOI Techpark Südtirol

Martin Reich

Biologist, Author, Science Communicator

16:00

Keynote: Keeping food in circulation and successful farming

Corina Koster from Circunis will be showing us how Switzerland manages food waste and food processing waste, as well as the solutions offered by the Swiss circular food economy.

Corina Koster

Customer Service, Circunis

16:15

Discussion panel: Will a circular economy and food waste upcycling save our food system?

Our food system tends to be fairly wasteful, with around a third of all food thrown away across all the relevant value chains. This is a situation that cannot afford to continue when the rising commodity and food prices are considered. During this discussion, we will explore ways in which to upcycle valuable waste in order to create innovative new food products and the potential that these products may have.

The panel participants will be joined by a startup company involved in upcycling food.

Nathalie Stellwag

Co-Founder, Circular grain

Corina Koster

Customer Service, Circunis

17:00

Closing Note Day 1: RE:sumé

A summary of the first day of the conference.

Mark Leinemann

Co-Founder & President, Crowdfoods

Sun 8.02.26, from 6 pm (until 10 pm): Networking Night with DJ Sound in the NEWFOOD X Expo Zone in the ICS Foyer (Ground)

10:50

Welcome address and introduction to the Gastro Masterclass on 08.02.2026

The Gastro Masterclasses will be presented by Gersta GmbH and GKSW Partners.

Moderation: Gerhart Stadlbauer, crowdfoods ambassador in Austria

Gerhart Stadlbauer

Entrepreneur, Coach, Speaker & Advisor, Gersta GmbH

11:00

What’s on tomorrow’s menu?

Gastronomy masterclass: What’s on tomorrow’s menu? – Practical inspiration for effectiveness and profitability.

Masterclass structure and topics:

Problem
Guest –> Guest psychology
Planet –> Climate, Biosphere, Health, Ethics

Solution
Gastronomy potential
Tips for communication

Let’s go!
Task for completion the next day

 

Balázs Tarsoly

Founder & Author, Branding Cuisine

12:00

Rewriting the menu

Between skills shortages, cost pressures and the culinary preferences of guests, what’s left on the menu?

During this masterclass, Thomas Glässing will be explaining how those in the gastronomy sector can tackle skills shortages and cost pressures through menu changes and adapt to the changing consumer behaviour of their guests.

Interactive discussion lasting approx. 20 – 30 minutes with subsequent open question round for individual problem-solving.

Thomas Glässing

Founder, plantiq AG

13:00

Lunch & Expo Visit (13:00 – 15:00)

Enjoy the break, discover innovative new food and try the latest creations that represent the future of gastronomy and the food industry at our NEWFOOD X Expo.

15:00

New packaging – PPWR in gastronomy – Introduction and solutions

Sibylle Meyer, founder of the Fair Cup reusable packaging, will use this masterclass to explain what the gastronomy sector can expect from the new packaging regulation (PPWR) and how the industry can prepare for what it involves.

 

Sibylle Meyer

Founder and Managing Director, Fair Cup GmbH

16:00

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the hotel, restaurant and catering sectors

This masterclass will provide practical insights into how artificial intelligence can be used in the hotel, restaurant and catering sectors today – from automated guest communication to projections and personalised services. Compact, understandable and with plenty of practical examples.

Gerhart Stadlbauer

Entrepreneur, Coach, Speaker & Advisor, Gersta GmbH

Sun 8.02.26, from 6 pm (until 10 pm): Networking Night with DJ Sound in the NEWFOOD X Expo Zone in the ICS Foyer (Ground)

10:50

Welcome address and introduction to the Food/Startup Masterclass on 08.02.2026

Thomas Poschen

PWRGUM GmbH, Crowdfoods

11:00

Why a startup does not need lawyers

Felix Buchmann

Prof. Dr., DORNKAMP Rechtsanwälte Partnerschaft mbB

12:00

Clever quality assurance and correct declaration for food startups

Quality from the outset: How clever quality assurance and correct declaration can save food startups time, money and hassle!

Content of the masterclass:

• Introduction: Why quality and declaration count from the start
• Foundation for quality assurance – The basis for reliable products
• Food analytics and declaration in practice
• Thinking strategically: Quality and declaration as competitive advantages
• Take-aways

Sandro Zwigart

Sales Manager, Agrolab Group

13:00

Lunch & Expo Visit (13:00 – 15:00)

Geniesst die Pause, entdeckt New Food Innovationen und probiert die Zukunft der Gastronomie und Ernährungswirtschaft an unserer NEWFOOD X Messe.

Sun 8.02.26, from 6 pm (until 10 pm): Networking Night with DJ Sound in the NEWFOOD X Expo Zone in the ICS Foyer (Ground)

10:50

Introduction and Welcome Address on Exhibitor Pitch Stage

The Exhibitor and Startup Pitch Stage will be presented and moderated by the Stuttgart Region Economic Development Corporation (Wirtschaftsförderung Region Stuttgart GmbH (WRS)) and the Economic Development Agency of the State Capital Stuttgart (Wirtschaftsförderung der Landeshauptstadt Stuttgart).

Coordination: Thomas Andersen, crowdfoods

Thomas Andersen

Proprietor / Management Board, Andersen Marketing KG / crowdfoods

Konstantin Schneider

Team Director for Innovation, Wirtschaftsförderung Landeshauptstadt Stuttgart

Eberhard Wachter

Project Manager for Sustainable Regional Development (Mobility, Environment, Startups), Wirtschaftsförderung Region Stuttgart

13:00

Lunch & Expo Visit (13:00 – 15:00)

Enjoy the break, discover innovative new food and try the latest creations that represent the future of gastronomy and the food industry at our NEWFOOD X Expo.

Sun 8.02.26, from 6 pm (until 10 pm): Networking Night with DJ Sound in the NEWFOOD X Expo Zone in the ICS Foyer (Ground)

10:20

Welcome and introduction – Day 2 of the conference

Welcome address by Wirtschaftsförderung der Landeshauptstadt Stuttgart, Wirtschaftsförderung Region Stuttgart and Messe Stuttgart.

What participants can expect from the second day of the NEWFOOD X Conference 2026.

 

Mark Leinemann

Co-Founder & President, Crowdfoods

Konstantin Schneider

Team Director for Innovation, Wirtschaftsförderung Landeshauptstadt Stuttgart

Eberhard Wachter

Project Manager for Sustainable Regional Development (Mobility, Environment, Startups), Wirtschaftsförderung Region Stuttgart

11:00

Keynote: Dry January – More than just a trend

Drinking little to no alcohol has gone from the annual new year trend to a widespread lifestyle choice for many. Non-alcoholic drinks, de-alcoholised wines and beer, alternative “spirits”, sparkling teas and proxies – Angelica Schwarzkopf will be showing us why “sober drinking” is booming and what we can expect from this new category.

Angelica Schwarzkopf

Founder, Angeliqueur – Drinks & Spirits

11:15

Discussion panel: Sober & Alternative Drinks

We’ll be discussing upheaval in the beverage market, new categories, production methods and their significance for gastronomy and retail with industry insiders and initiators.

Angelica Schwarzkopf
Founder, Angeliqueur – Drinks & Spirits

Michael Stolzke

Proprietor, Auf ein Glas | Michael Stolzke – Content for the modus bibendi

Charles Fox

Founder and Managing Director, Arisu

12:00

Keynote: From food entrepreneur to vegan cheese startup

 

Nico Hansen

Founder, vanozza foods GmbH

12:15

Keynote: Personalised nutrition in the company canteen

 

Timo Sievernich

Gründer, odacova

12:30

Discussion panel: Food and gastro-tech startups in communal food

This panel will be discussing how food and gastro-tech startups can work successfully and sustainably together with those in communal food.

Timo Sievernich

Founder, odacova

Nico Hansen

Founder, vanozza foods GmbH

Carolin Gennburg

Lead AVE, AVE Gastro by ProjectTogether gGmbH

13:00

Lunch & Expo Visit (13:00 – 15:00) – Day 2

Enjoy the break, discover innovative new food and try the latest creations that represent the future of gastronomy and the food industry at our NEWFOOD X Expo.

15:00

Keynote: Is this coffee?

Keynote in english: Coffee prices soar more and more, supply chains break down, high scalable commodities are become rare goods. It’s time for an alternative, cheaper coffee. For gastronomy owners and consumers. But will it taste?

Daan Raemdonck

Founder & CEO, Koppie

15:15

Keynote: Micro-algae as an alternative food source

Overlooked for a long time and only known as something from (and used quite a lot in) Asia: algae. This presentation will guide us through the world of micro-algae and highlight the benefits to using this alternative source of raw materials.

Eskil Puhl

Head of Research & Development, HC-LIM GmbH – developing new foods

15:30

Discussion panel: Alternative supply chains and raw materials as key to the future of gastronomy and the food industry

The current polycrisis is also affecting the entire food value chain. Goods previously available inexpensively in bulk quantity, such as coffee, cocoa and also animal products, are becoming harder to find and more expensive to buy. Tariffs, wars and natural disasters are creating supply chain instability. This is driving up costs and negatively impacting delivery reliability, making it impossible to calculate prices or plan production for the food industry and gastronomy. It’s time to start thinking about alternative raw materials and supply chains. This discussion panel will be providing possible answers.

Eskil Puhl

Head of Research & Development, HC-LIM GmbH – developing new foods

Ira Onatii

Co-Founder and Managing Director, Vegan Stock

M. Lee Greene

Co-Founder, Principal Consultant, Ambassador, Foodhub NRW e.V., Food Horizons, crowdfoods

Michelle Calios

Founder & Supply Chain Expert, KoRo

17:00

Closing Note Day 2: RE:Cap

A summary of the second day of the conference.

Mark Leinemann

Co-Founder & President, Crowdfoods

Mon 09.02.26, from 6 pm (until 10 pm): Networking Night with DJ Sound in the NEWFOOD X Expo Zone in the ICS Foyer (Ground)

10:50

Welcome address and introduction to the Gastro Masterclass on 09.02.2026

The Gastro Masterclasses will be presented by Gersta GmbH and GKSW Partners.

Moderation: Gerhart Stadlbauer, crowdfoods ambassador in Austria

Gerhart Stadlbauer

Entrepreneur, Coach, Speaker & Advisor, Gersta GmbH

11:00

Creativity, Agility and the New Guests

The gastronomy industry is facing major upheaval, brought about by societal change, new guest requirements and the use of AI.

The masterclass “Creativity, Agility and the New Guests” by Jan Scheidsteger – gastro expert and author of the book “Die Zukunft der Gastro” (“The Future of Gastro”) – will be using best practice examples to demonstrate how businesses can make strategic use of these developments and develop sustainable concepts. The focus will be on three new types of guest, as well as concrete recommendations for both relevance and commercial success.

 

Jan Scheidsteger

Proprietor, Author of “Die Zukunft der Gastro”, beyond – gastro innovation + direction

12:00

How to successfully partner with the gastronomy sector as a startup.

How to successfully partner with the gastronomy sector as a startup.

This will be followed by a tasting session, with samples of the latest innovative creations from planted.

 

Michael Wagner

Head of Sales Foodservice, Planted Foods

13:00

Lunch & Expo Visit (13:00 – 15:00) – Day 2

Enjoy the break, discover innovative new food and try the latest creations that represent the future of gastronomy and the food industry at our NEWFOOD X Expo.

15:00

Mindful Drinking – How gastronomes can use the sober drinking trend to their advantage.

Mindful Drinking – How gastronomes can use the sober drinking trend to their advantage.

Masterclass organised and hosted by Angelica Schwarzkopf, Angeliqueur Premium Spirits & Events

Angelica Schwarzkopf

Founder, Angeliqueur – Drinks & Spirits

16:00

Sustainable food culture in communal food

 

 

Carolin Gennburg

Lead AVE, AVE Gastro by Pro­ject­To­geth­er gGmbH

Mon 09.02.26, from 6 pm (until 10 pm): Networking Night with DJ Sound in the NEWFOOD X Expo Zone in the ICS Foyer (Ground)

10:50

Welcome address and introduction to the Food/Startup Masterclass on 09.02.2026

Thomas Poschen

PWRGUM GmbH, Crowdfoods

11:00

How startups make it to the supermarket shelves

Talk (20-25 mins) on the Startup Lounge from the REWE supermarket group, followed by an open Q&A session

Selda Morina

Head of Start-up Lounge National / Innovation Management, REWE Group

12:00

Straight to the supermarket and drug store shelves with the voilà! Start-up Arena from the Markant Group

Talk on the startup programme from the Markant Group, followed by a Q&A session.

Content and topics:

Introduction: What is voilà!? (incl. image film)

Introduction of the ProductSpotlight platform

Reservation information for our Markant Trade Forum

Examples of successful start-ups from our programme

Alicia Rehm

Division Head, Markant Group

Jaqueline Welle

Assistant Buyer, Markant Deutschland GmbH

13:00

Lunch & Expo Visit (13:00 – 15:00) – Day 2

Enjoy the break, discover innovative new food and try the latest creations that represent the future of gastronomy and the food industry at our NEWFOOD X Expo.

15:00

How do startups get going in Lekkerland’s out-of-home market?

Talk on the startup shelf programme from Lekkerland (20-25 mins), followed by a Q&A session

Alina Demke

Category Manager Food & Beverage Innovation, Lekkerland SE (REWE Group)

16:00

What should I, as a startup, be aware of when it comes to food distribution?

How do I intend to sell my product? What should I be aware of? How do I determine my pricing and procurement costs?

Practical tips and tricks when dealing with purchasing in food retailing.

Interactive session with Jonas Kaufmann, Food Sales Expert at New Goods, followed by an open Q&A round

Jonas Kaufmann

Proprietor, Food Distribution Expert & Coach, New Goods

Mon 09.02.26, from 6 pm (until 10 pm): Networking Night with DJ Sound in the NEWFOOD X Expo Zone in the ICS Foyer (Ground)

10:50

Introduction and Welcome Address on Exhibitor Pitch Stage

The Exhibitor and Startup Pitch Stage will be presented and moderated by the Stuttgart Region Economic Development Corporation (Wirtschaftsförderung Region Stuttgart GmbH (WRS)) and the Economic Development Agency of the State Capital Stuttgart (Wirtschaftsförderung der Landeshauptstadt Stuttgart).

Coordination: Thomas Andersen, crowdfoods

Thomas Andersen

Proprietor / Management Board, Andersen Marketing KG / crowdfoods

Konstantin Schneider

Team Director for Innovation, Wirtschaftsförderung Landeshauptstadt Stuttgart

Eberhard Wachter

Project Manager for Sustainable Regional Development (Mobility, Environment, Startups), Wirtschaftsförderung Region Stuttgart

13:00

Lunch & Expo Visit (13:00 – 15:00) – Day 2

Enjoy the break, discover innovative new food and try the latest creations that represent the future of gastronomy and the food industry at our NEWFOOD X Expo.

Mon 09.02.26, from 6 pm (until 10 pm): Networking Night with DJ Sound in the NEWFOOD X Expo Zone in the ICS Foyer (Ground)

10:20

Welcome address and introduction to the Food Leaders Innovation Day

The third day of the conference is dedicated to Food Innovation. During his welcome address and introductory remarks, Mark Leinemann will be explaining what participants can expect from the Food Leaders Innovation Day at the NEWFOOD X Conference 2026.

 Mark Leinemann

Co-Founder & President, Crowdfoods

11:00

Why food security through innovation is key for the political future of Europe

Inspirational talk / Keynote

Jakub Wrzesniewski

Chairman, Stanczyk International Strategy

11:15

Sounding the alarm for food innovation?

Inspirational talk / Keynote

 

Lukas Dillinger

Innovation Director, TUM Venture Lab FAB

11:30

Found2Fail: How food startups are driving innovation and where they are going wrong

Inspirational talk / Keynote

 

Daniel Anthes

Speaker, Author and Sustainability Ninja, danielanthes.com

11:45

Bringing better protein to the table

Inspirational talk / Keynote

 

Pascal Bieri

Co-Founder; Executive Board Member, planted

12:00

Talk: Successfully introducing innovation to everyone

Discussion panel.

Special event! This discussion panel will be followed by a tasting session with samples from the new planted gastro products (Thank you to planted Foods!)

 

Pascal Bieri

Co-Founder; Executive Board Member, planted

Daniel Anthes

Speaker, Author and Sustainability Ninja, danielanthes.com

Lukas Dillinger

Innovation Director, TUM Venture Lab FAB

13:00

Lunch & Expo Visit (13:00 – 14:00)

Please note – shorter lunch period and expo visit from 1 pm to 2 pm!
Enjoy the break, discover innovative new food and try the latest creations that represent the future of gastronomy and the food industry at our NEWFOOD X Expo.

 

 

14:00

Innovation in hospitality – Challenges and solutions

Inspirational talk / Keynote

 Lukas Dillinger

Innovation Director, TUM Venture Lab FAB

Konstantin von Keyserlingk

Proprietor, von Keyserlingk & Company

14:15

Technology meets hospitality – How startups can help the hospitality sector

Discussion panel

 

Katharina Althaus

Founder and CEO, Läkkerai

Lukas Dillinger

Innovation Director, TUM Venture Lab FAB

Phillip Kaapke

Co-Founder, Revoja

Konstantin von Keyserlingk

Proprietor, von Keyserlingk & Company

15:00

TransformERN – What is needed for change to happen in the food system

Inspirational talk / Keynote

 

Constanze Hepp

Project Manager at TransformERN, Foodhub NRW e.V.

15:15

From theory to practice: Food innovation at the NOI

Inspirational talk / Keynote

 

Lena Franke

Food Innovation Specialist, NOI Techpark Südtirol

Ben Schneider

Head of “Food Prototyping & Experience”, NOI Techpark Südtirol

15:30

Food innovation between research and practice

Discussion panel

 

Lena Franke

Food Innovation Specialist, NOI Techpark Südtirol

Ben Schneider

Head of “Food Prototyping & Experience”, NOI Techpark Südtirol

Dominik Ewald

Technology Transfer & Business Development Manager, Fraunhofer IGD

Constanze Hepp

Project Manager at TransformERN, Foodhub NRW e.V.

16:00

Investment in Innovation

Inspirational talk / Keynote

 

Andy Zynga, Ph.D.

VP Strategic Partnerships, HiTi – investment fund

16:15

How to achieve more investment in food innovation

Discussion panel

 

Andy Zynga, Ph.D.

VP Strategic Partnerships, HiTi – investment fund

17:00

Farewell note: RE:turn 2027 / 2028

Conclusion and summary of the NEWFOOD X Conference 2026.

Mark Leinemann

Co-Founder & President, Crowdfoods

 

10:50

Welcome address and introduction to the Gastro Masterclass on 10.02.2026

The Gastro Masterclasses will be presented by Gersta GmbH and GKSW Partners.

Moderation: Gerhart Stadlbauer, crowdfoods ambassador in Austria

Gerhart Stadlbauer

Entrepreneur, Coach, Speaker & Advisor, Gersta GmbH

11:00

From very little to very many: Vegan cuisine as system innovation and sales boost

Topic to be decided. Speaker: Lisa Rechkemmer (requested)

12:00

Getting the robots on board

How can innovative cooking and service robots be successfully integrated into the hotel, restaurant and catering sectors?

This talk will provide practical insights into the latest applications, success factors and limits to robotic assistance. Participants will discover how new technologies are making life easier for the service industry – without losing the human touch. A symbiosis between man and machine ensures that this is the case, along with the use of technologies that serve our purpose.

Gerhart Stadlbauer

Entrepreneur, Coach, Speaker & Advisor, Gersta GmbH

13:00

Lunch & Expo Visit (13:00 – 15:00)

Enjoy the break, discover innovative new food and try the latest creations that represent the future of gastronomy and the food industry at our NEWFOOD X Expo.

 

 

15:00

From restaurant to expanding brand. Key factors to succeeding on your own.

Gastro masterclass organised and moderated by Valentin Spieß, Partner at Wen Cheng Restaurants GmbH

Interactive discussion lasting approx. 20 – 30 minutes with subsequent open question round for individual problem-solving.

 

Valentin Spieß

Partner, Wen Cheng Restaurants GmbH

16:00

From endless paperwork to AI efficiency – The future for restaurants chains

AI in the kitchen, including practical check and trend prognosis: From endless paperwork to AI efficiency – The future for restaurant chains.

Masterclass with best practice examples on the use of AI and digitalisation in the professional kitchen – Talk outlining the situation, with practical examples provided and a subsequent Q&A session

 

Katharina Althaus

Founder and CEO, Läkkerai

 

10:50

Welcome address and introduction to the Food/Startup Masterclass on 10.02.2026

Thomas Poschen

PWRGUM GmbH, Crowdfoods

11:00

Influencer Marketing 2026: What has radically changed and how to dominate the market today

Influencer Marketing is experiencing a massive upheaval and presenting the perfect opportunity for those in the food industry to get involved.

What was once the domain of major brands with massive budgets is now a feasible option for any food brand, once they play by the new rules of the game.

In this masterclass, we will demonstrate how influencer marketing really works in 2026: less emphasis on reach, more focus on system, genuine creator partnerships and a measurable impact on growth and sales.

You will learn,
• why the classic influencer strategies are no longer working
• which models, formats and processes are successful in 2026
• how to set up a scalable, efficient and reproducible marketing platform
• and how to set yourself apart from the competition

This masterclass is not an inspirational talk, but a practical blueprint for long-term influencing success.

Moritz Jaeger

Co-Founder & Head of Sales, FEMOSOS

Sebastian von Steinsdorff

Co-Founder & Head of Strategy, Operations & Finance – FEMOSOS, FEMOSOS

12:00

Digital & Influencer Marketing – How To

Thomas Poschen

PWRGUM GmbH, Crowdfoods

13:00

Lunch & Expo Visit (13:00 – 15:00)

Enjoy the break, discover innovative new food and try the latest creations that represent the future of gastronomy and the food industry at our NEWFOOD X Expo.

 

10:50

Introduction and Welcome Address on Exhibitor Pitch Stage

The Exhibitor and Startup Pitch Stage will be presented and moderated by the Stuttgart Region Economic Development Corporation (Wirtschaftsförderung Region Stuttgart GmbH (WRS)) and the Economic Development Agency of the State Capital Stuttgart (Wirtschaftsförderung der Landeshauptstadt Stuttgart).

Coordination: Thomas Andersen, crowdfoods

Thomas Andersen

Proprietor / Management Board, Andersen Marketing KG / crowdfoods

Konstantin Schneider

Team Director for Innovation, Wirtschaftsförderung Landeshauptstadt Stuttgart

Eberhard Wachter

Project Manager for Sustainable Regional Development (Mobility, Environment, Startups), Wirtschaftsförderung Region Stuttgart

13:00

Lunch & Expo Visit (13:00 – 15:00)

Enjoy the break, discover innovative new food and try the latest creations that represent the future of gastronomy and the food industry at our NEWFOOD X Expo.

 

Programme changes and errors excepted.

Conference registration

Our three-day NEWFOOD X NOW Conference will be taking place from 8 February to 10 February 2026 on the first floor of the ICS during INTERGASTRA Stuttgart.

Participation in the conference is free of charge for every INTERGASTRA trade fair visitor.

As we only have limited capacity in our conference rooms, and to ensure planning runs as smoothly as possible, we would ask that you register your participation prior to the event (if capacity is exceeded, only registered participants will be granted access to the conference). 

Access to the digital NEWFOOD X Community: With your registration to participate in the conference, you will also receive free access to our digital community during the conference, where you can connect with the exhibitors and other participants. The access data for our NEWFOOD X Event Community will be sent separately before the event starts.

Register now!