Startups from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh took center stage to showcase their
groundbreaking initiatives in protein to help achieve food and nutrition security.
[Dubai, UAE]: Right to Protein powered by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC)
hosted its second Pitch2Fork program in Dubai, UAE. With a focus on innovations in the
protein industry, this platform provided a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs across
Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan to pitch their rising businesses to a panel of investors.
Shortlisted companies that leveraged this unique opportunity included Gladful, Hello
Tempayy, Poulta, and WeGro.
While South Asia ranks as the fastest-growing region in the world, it is challenged with
meeting the rapidly growing demand for protein. Reflecting on the potential impact of
Pitch2Fork, Kevin Roepke, Regional Director of South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa
(SAASSA), USSEC, commented “Pitch2Fork is strategically positioned to facilitate the
networking needed between startups and investors, accelerating innovation. By embracing
disruption, proactively investing in the future, and addressing protein challenges, we create a
path towards a more nutrition-secure tomorrow.”
Hello Tempayy, an innovative Indian start-up reshaping tempeh production was awarded the
Pitch2Fork 2024 trophy for ‘Protein Start-up of the Year.’ With their user-friendly and
flavorful offerings, Hello Tempayy is expanding the array of soy-based protein options
available to consumers in India. On seeing the value of winning the title, Hello Tempayy’s
Cofounder and Nutritionist, Malavika Siddharth, from India added, “As a nutritionist, I
witness the effects of protein deficiencies on an individual’s health on a regular basis. That’s
why we founded Hello Tempayy – to bridge this gap. Platforms like Pitch2fork present an
invaluable opportunity to amplify our mission to raise awareness and offer nutritious and
delicious high-quality protein options.”
Providing insight on their experience as a nominee in Pitch2Fork from Pakistan’s poultry
segment, Khushbakht Ashraf, GM of Global Sales and Marketing, at Poulta added
“Presenting Poulta’s innovative solutions for traceability, vertical integration, and data-driven
decision-making in front of such a great audience was an immensely valuable experience. We
are committed to farm-to-fork traceability while maximizing the production of protein and this perfectly resonates with USSEC and its mission. It has been a pleasure to network and
connect and discuss future collaborations and partnerships for increasing awareness of
protein.”
Md Mahmudur Rahman, Founder of WeGro, another nominee from Bangladesh’s Agri-tech sector
added, “At WeGro, we empower farmers by providing access to finance, inputs, and markets. We
acknowledge Pitch2Fork as an excellent platform that celebrates innovative solutions addressing the
protein gap for a more sustainable future.”
Attendees were inspired by the triumph of Agroshift, an agritech startup from Bangladesh and
the Winner of Pitch2Fork 2022. Agroshift operates as an omnichannel agri-supply chain
platform that helps farmers sell their goods to businesses and consumers enabling fair pricing
and better market access with increased affordability, quality, and convenience to buyers
through its micro-fulfillment distribution network.
Pitch2Fork’s renowned speaker lineup included Janna Fritz, Vice Chair, USSEC; Henry
Gordon-Smith, Founder and CEO at Agritecture; Roma Roy Choudhury, Founder & COO at
Evolved Foods; Deeba Giannoulis, Regional Head of U.S. Soy Sustainability and Marketing
at USSEC-SAASSA; and Roberto Vitón, Founder and Managing Director from Valoral
Advisors.
U.S. Soy has been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability – continuously improving
to deliver solutions to its customers across the globe. With a commitment to nourishing the
world sustainably, U.S. soybean farmers support platforms like Pitch2Fork and deliver
solutions like the Soy Value Oil Calculator, Specialty U.S. Soy Database, In-Pond Raceway
Systems (IPRS), the International Aquaculture Feed Formulation Database (IAFDD) and the
Soy Excellence Centers to name a few.
About Right to Protein (RTP)
Right To Protein is an awareness campaign powered by the U.S. Soybean Export Council
(USSEC) to educate people about the importance of adequate protein consumption for better
nutrition, health, and well-being. It aspires to build public knowledge of different types of
protein sources, to meet larger nutritional security goals. As a protein awareness campaign,
‘Right to Protein’ emphasizes the role of protein in supporting good health, reducing
malnutrition, and promoting sustainable development. The campaign also raises awareness
about the global burden of protein deficiency, a significant public health concern, particularly
in developing nations. The initiative is open for those who would like to join and/or
contribute to any capacity, including providing knowledge, technical support, or promotion
partners. If you share our vision, connect with us at righttoprotein.com
About the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC):
The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) focuses on differentiating, building preference,
and elevating market access for the use of U.S. Soy for human consumption, aquaculture, and
livestock feed in 80+ countries internationally. USSEC members represent the soy supply
chain including U.S. Soy farmers, processors, commodity shippers, merchandisers, allied
agribusinesses, and agricultural organizations. USSEC is funded by the U.S. soybean
checkoff, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) matching funds, and industry.
Please visit www.ussec.org or follow USSEC on LinkedIn for the latest information,
resources, and news about USSEC and U.S. Soy internationally.
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