OneThird, a Netherlands-based company specializing in AI-driven food technology, has secured €3.5M in Series A funding to address the pressing issue of food waste. The funding round, led by Invest International with contributions from Pymwymic, SHIFT Invest, and Oost NL, positions the company to further develop its near-infrared scanning technology, which forecasts the shelf life of fresh produce. This innovation allows stakeholders across the supply chain to make more informed decisions, potentially preventing significant food waste. Additionally, Henrike Langbroek has been appointed as the new CEO, a move aimed at driving the company’s mission forward.
How will the funding be used?
The funds will primarily support the enhancement of OneThird’s AI and sensor technology, the acceleration of its product roadmap, and the scaling of its retail store scanners, which are currently active in 10 countries. The company aims to expand its reach across Europe and North America. Langbroek commented on the development:
“This funding will allow us to amplify our impact and reach new markets, empowering growers, distributors, and retailers to make informed decisions that drive sustainability and profitability.”
This marks a significant step for the company, which had previously raised €2.75M in late-Seed funding in 2023. OneThird is now focused on widening its geographic footprint and refining its technology for broader adoption.
How does technology address food waste?
OneThird’s AI-powered scanners provide actionable data to farmers, distributors, and retailers, helping them reduce food waste by up to 25%. The technology assists in optimizing supply chain strategies, such as better management of best-before dates and minimizing spoilage during transportation. The company has also introduced a retail fruit scanner that enables consumers to make smarter purchasing decisions. By using this innovation, stakeholders can reduce quality control labor costs by up to 50% while avoiding damage to produce during inspections. Retailers using the technology have reported less waste and higher revenues, particularly for high-value items like avocados.
In earlier developments, OneThird expanded its product offerings to include support for fruits such as blueberries, strawberries, and tomatoes. The company claims its technology provides a dual benefit: it aids sustainability efforts while also boosting profitability for its partners.
OneThird’s recent announcements build on earlier information regarding its partnership initiatives and technology use cases. For instance, in 2024, the company highlighted its achievements in reducing food waste at a supply chain level. However, this new funding and leadership appointment signal a clear trajectory toward scaling operations and making its technology accessible to a broader audience.
As OneThird continues to expand its technology and market presence, it remains focused on addressing global food waste, a problem where roughly one-third of all food produced is wasted globally. For businesses in the fresh produce supply chain, adopting solutions like those provided by OneThird can not only mitigate waste but also enhance efficiency and reduce costs. The company’s efforts underscore the growing importance of leveraging AI in tackling sustainability challenges and improving logistics in the food industry.
