German AI FoodTech startup Foodforecast raises €8 million to tackle ultra-fresh food wastage

Food waste is a major issue in the food industry, with approximately 30,000 tons of fresh food being wasted every day in Europe alone due to inaccurate demand planning. This not only has a negative impact on the environment but also on the profitability of businesses. However, one German startup is on a mission to change this and make the food industry more efficient and sustainable with the help of AI.

Foodforecast, a Cologne-based AI FoodTech startup, has recently announced that it has raised €8 million in Series A funding. The round was co-led by SHIFT Invest and ECBF, with participation from existing investors Future Food Fund and Aeronaut Invest. The startup plans to use this capital to fuel its international growth and expand its enterprise-ready solutions.

Founded in 2018 by Justus Lauten and Jan Brormann, Foodforecast aims to fundamentally rethink how ultra-fresh food is planned and produced. With its AI-based demand and production forecasting solutions, the startup hopes to set a new benchmark for planning, efficiency, and sustainability in the food industry.

The company's technology is specifically designed for ultra-fresh products, which have a short shelf life ranging from a few hours to one day. By accurately predicting demand and optimizing production, Foodforecast enables food businesses to reduce waste, improve availability, and streamline operations in these time-critical food categories.

One of the key benefits of Foodforecast's technology is its seamless integration into existing workflows. This means that businesses can reduce waste without adding operational complexity. The startup reports that its solutions have helped its customers reduce food waste by up to 30% and increase sales by up to 11%. It has also automated more than 90% of previously manual ordering and production processes.

Since its commercial launch in 2022, Foodforecast has already gained traction in the market, with several thousand stores across Europe currently using its technology. Some of its notable customers include food service, bakery, and retail operators such as SSP Germany and Eat Happy.

Aside from its economic value, sustainability remains a core pillar of Foodforecast's business model. The startup's accurate demand forecasting allows its customers to use resources more efficiently, reduce emissions, and significantly cut food waste. To date, its customers have collectively prevented over 8,800 tons of food waste.

According to Isabelle Laurencin, Partner at ECBF, Foodforecast's focus on sustainability sets it apart from other AI startups. She believes that the company's technology can generate both economic value and measurable impact.

With the support of the European Union under the InvestEU Fund, Foodforecast previously raised over €3 million in funding in 2024. This latest round of funding, led by Scalehouse Capital and Future Food Fund II, will allow the startup to expand its presence across European markets and further scale its adoption among SME and enterprise customers in food service, bakery chains, and food retail.

Key takeaways:

• Foodforecast, a German AI FoodTech startup, has raised €8 million in Series A funding to tackle food waste in the ultra-fresh food supply chain.
• The round was co-led by SHIFT Invest and ECBF, with participation from existing investors Future Food Fund and Aeronaut Invest.
• The startup's AI-based demand and production forecasting solutions are specifically designed for ultra-fresh products, helping businesses reduce waste, improve availability, and optimize operations.
• Its technology seamlessly integrates into existing workflows, making it easy for businesses to adopt without adding operational complexity.
• Sustainability is a core pillar of Foodforecast's business model, and its customers have collectively prevented over 8,800 tons of food waste.
• The company plans to use the fresh capital to expand its presence across European markets and further scale its adoption among SME and enterprise customers.

Source: https://www.eu-startups.com/2026/02/german-ai-foodtech-startup-foodforecast-raises-e8-million-to-tackle-ultra-fresh-food-wastage/