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Top Food Entrepreneurs to Look Out For In 2025
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At Publicity For Good, we are passionate about highlighting food entrepreneurs who are transforming the way we eat. From plant-based pioneers to sustainability advocates, these visionaries are reimagining food production, packaging, and nutrition to create a healthier and more sustainable future.
If your food business is built on bold values and a bigger mission, we’re here to help amplify your story. Book a discovery call and find out how we can bring your purpose to the plate.
This roundup celebrates the innovators who are not only shaping the food industry but also making a lasting impact on communities and the environment.
Discover Innovative Food Entrepreneurs Leading the Way in 2025
The food industry is undergoing a revolution, led by trailblazing entrepreneurs who are reshaping the way we eat, think about nutrition, and approach sustainability. These visionary founders are not just creating products; they’re challenging industry norms, eliminating harmful ingredients, and ensuring a healthier future for consumers and the planet. From pioneering plant-based alternatives to championing regenerative agriculture, these game-changers are setting new standards in food innovation. Get to know the top food entrepreneurs making an impact in 2025.
Kobi Regev – Co-Founder & CEO, Pleese Foods Inc.
Kobi Regev is the co-founder and CEO of Pleese Foods Inc., a New York-based company revolutionizing plant-based cheese alternatives with Pleese® Cheese, made from a proprietary blend of bean and potato proteins. Inspired by his and his wife Abev’s transition to a plant-based diet, Kobi set out to create a cheese alternative that delivers the authentic taste and melt of traditional pizza cheese—without allergens like soy, nuts, or gluten. Under his leadership, Pleese® Cheese has expanded into pizzerias, schools, and food service locations nationwide, ensuring that everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions, can enjoy pizza without compromise.
Douglas Raggio – Founder, Pass the Honey
Douglas Raggio founded Pass the Honey to combat fraud and instability in the honey industry while pioneering the category of convenient, individually-portioned honeycomb. Recognizing the vital role of honeybees in sustaining one-third of our food system, he developed the first outcomes-based regenerative methodology for apiculture, which later became the Regenerative Apiculture Working Group, an open-source initiative to set industry standards. Before launching Pass the Honey, Douglas was a venture capitalist focused on better-for-you CPG brands and worked in PR/marketing for Fortune 100 companies like Nike and Discovery Channel, bringing a strategic, mission-driven approach to regenerative food systems.
Michelle Mazzara – Founder, Luvafoodie
Michelle Mazzara founded Luvafoodie in 2014 as a clean eating and drinking brand dedicated to promoting a healthier lifestyle. Offering gourmet spice blends, pet spice blends, instant cold brew iced teas, and salad dressing dip mixes, Luvafoodie is built on the premise of using only natural ingredients, free from fillers and artificial additives. In November 2024, Michelle published Making of Luvafoodie Brand, sharing her journey in creating a brand that empowers consumers to eat and drink clean while embracing a better way of living.
Carl Starkey – Co-Founder & CEO, AWSM Sauce
Carl Starkey co-founded AWSM Sauce to revolutionize the condiment industry by eliminating single-use plastic through a patent-pending “powder-to-pour” technology. A former pro lacrosse player turned tech entrepreneur, Carl previously worked as a product manager at Comcast, served as an Entrepreneur in Residence at General Mills, and coached the Argentina Men’s National Lacrosse Team. With a passion for sustainability and innovation, AWSM Sauce delivers bold, eco-conscious flavors while tackling plastic waste, proving that great taste and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
Wim Reinders – Founder & CEO, Culinary Argan Oil (SULA NYC)
Wim Reinders founded Culinary Argan Oil to introduce the world to the rich culinary and health benefits of argan oil while promoting a sustainable supply chain. A former PwC partner with extensive experience in management consulting across the Americas and Europe, Wim is a passionate advocate for mindful eating, sustainability, and plant-based lifestyles. Positioned within Mediterranean, flexitarian, and vegan cuisine, Culinary Argan Oil aims to carve out a niche in the vegetable oil market by offering a product that is both delicious and environmentally responsible.
Matt Feldman – Founder, Moku Foods
Matt Feldman founded Moku Foods to create a sustainable, plant-based alternative to traditional beef jerky using king oyster mushrooms. Raised in Oahu, Hawaii, Matt was deeply influenced by the Hawaiian principle of malama ‘aina—caring for the land—which led him to adopt a plant-based diet and seek environmentally friendly food solutions. Partnering with Michelin-starred chef Thomas Bowman, he spent two years perfecting a mushroom-based jerky that mimics the taste and texture of meat. Moku Foods is committed to sustainability, as king oyster mushrooms require 97% less water, 76% less land, and produce 88% fewer carbon emissions than beef, making each bag a step toward a more eco-conscious future.
Desirée Calixte – Founder, Easy Oat Burgers
Desirée Calixte founded Easy Oat Burgers to create healthier, plant-based alternatives to America’s favorite foods. A Florida native living in the DMV, she holds a B.S. in Public Relations from Florida A&M University and an MPA from Florida International University. Inspired by her health journey and the loss of her mother to diet-related illness, Desirée set out to make nutritious, accessible meals that help reduce health disparities. What started as a quick, plant-based family meal has grown into a mission-driven brand dedicated to improving wellness through better food choices.
Silvia Vidova – Founder & CEO, Culiraw
Silvia Vidova founded Culiraw to redefine indulgence with nutrient-dense, plant-based desserts that satisfy cravings without guilt. After struggling with emotional eating and energy crashes, she transformed her passion for fitness, nutrition, and wellness into a fast-scaling brand. With a background in hospitality and international relations, Silvia is committed to changing the conversation around desserts—proving that they can be both delicious and functional. Culiraw breaks the “all or nothing” diet mentality, offering high-protein, fiber-rich treats that nourish the body while delivering pure enjoyment. As Silvia says, “Skipping is for ropes, not desserts.”
Josh Christensen – VP of Marketing, Genius Gourmet
Josh Christensen is the VP of Marketing at Genius Gourmet, a family-owned brand dedicated to making nutritious, high-quality snacks that don’t compromise on flavor. With a background in entrepreneurship—having started over 15 businesses—Josh brings a data-driven approach to scaling revenue, leading product innovation, and expanding e-commerce presence. Under his leadership, Genius Gourmet transitioned from a solely keto-focused brand to a broader protein-based snack company, achieving seven-figure Amazon sales and industry recognition on Instacart. A dedicated martial artist and family man, Josh’s passion for growth extends beyond business, helping others build and scale their ventures.
Meghan Rowe – CEO, White Leaf Provisions
Meghan Rowe, CEO of White Leaf Provisions, is a visionary leader redefining family nutrition through Regenerative Organic and Biodynamic® foods. Growing up in her family’s business—later acquired by Campbell’s under Pepperidge Farm—she gained hands-on experience in food production and entrepreneurship. Inspired by her global experiences and the birth of her son, she founded White Leaf Provisions to provide pure, glyphosate residue-free, and nutritionally dense foods. Sourcing over 85% of its ingredients from certified regenerative organic farms, the brand goes beyond organic to heal the soil, eliminate chemicals, and create a healthier future for the next generation.
Watch Out For These Elite Entrepreneurs This 2025!
As we move into 2025, these food entrepreneurs are proving that innovation, sustainability, and mission-driven business can go hand in hand. Whether they’re making plant-based eating more accessible, eliminating food waste, or revolutionizing the snack industry, they’re shaping the future of food with every product they create.
At Publicity For Good, we support visionary founders driving transformation in the food industry. If you’re building a mission-led food brand and you’re ready for meaningful media, schedule your PFG discovery call today and let’s get cooking.
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