This roundtable explores how the food industry can develop and implement practical “drop-in”
ingredient solutions that manufacturers can integrate with minimal reformulation and that
consumers readily accept. A key focus will be the regulatory pathways and constraints that shape
innovation, including classification challenges (such as Novel Food status), compliance
requirements, and the impact of food law on speed-to-market.
The discussion will address the technical, commercial, and regulatory challenges of working with
alternative and upcycled ingredients, including oF-flavor management, processing considerations,
and how diFering interpretations of legislation can influence product development strategies.
Participants will also examine how early collaboration between ingredient developers,
manufacturers, and regulatory experts can help anticipate compliance hurdles, reduce approval
timelines, and accelerate adoption. Finally, the roundtable will consider whether greater regulatory
flexibility—or earlier regulatory alignment across stakeholders—is needed to enable scalable,
sustainable innovation.
Moderation: Dr. Petra Vossenberg, Novabite/ Dr. Karin Lenssen, Novabite