Vol.35 US-Based Thermomix Collaborates with NVIDIA to Develop Cooking Robots | Harmful Levels of Alcohol Consumption Rising Among Women

Welcome back to Foodtech EYES where we deliver the latest global food innovation news and community updates from UnlocX.

According to the July 13 issue of Nikkei, June 2025 marked the hottest month on record in Japan since observations began in 1898. This extreme heat raises growing concerns over its impact on primary industries such as agriculture.

Over the past weekend, Japan held its House of Councillors election. In a special feature by the Japan Agricultural Cooperatives (JA) titled “2025 Upper House Election: Each Party’s Views on Rice, Agricultural Policy, and JA”, leaders from both the ruling and opposition parties shared their perspectives on agricultural and food policy.

While the election has concluded, challenges surrounding food security continue to intensify. How will the government respond to these pressing issues? In an era shaped by climate change and shifting global dynamics, building a resilient and stable food supply system is more critical than ever. The intersection of politics and food policy warrants close attention.

Now, let’s explore this week’s top domestic and international stories—examining the future of food through the lenses of technology, markets, and daily life.

This edition is an English translation of the original Foodtech Eyes in Japanese published on July 23, 2025.

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👉Contents

・INSIGHTS from RECENT MUST READ ARTICLES

・MUST READ ARTICLES

・COMMUNITY NEWS

INSIGHTS from RECENT MUST READ ARTICLES

✍Our first featured story this week is the European Parliament’s recent resolution to designate biotechnology as a strategic priority. In a report prepared for the Parliament, biotechnology was named one of ten key technologies critical to enhancing Europe’s industrial competitiveness, economic security, and sustainability. The proposal also mentioned the creation of a Chief Biotechnology Officer, signaling a move toward stronger governance in this domain. In our previous issue, we reported on the UK government’s £184 million (approx. ¥36.3 billion) investment to build infrastructure for “engineering biology,” including alternative protein technologies. These developments reflect a growing wave of momentum for biotechnology across Europe.

The robotics field is also seeing continued momentum. Thermomix, a leader in smart cooking appliances, appears to be heading toward full robotic integration. The company’s collaboration with NVIDIA was recently announced, hinting at further acceleration in the use of robotics in the kitchen.

Other notable updates include Fermecute’s latest fundraising efforts—known in Japan for developing fermentation-derived next-gen proteins and frequently featured at SKS JAPAN—and Floatmeal’s announcement of a new production plan in Thailand utilizing floating aquatic plants, following their FVD Award win at the Hokkaido Food Innovation Summit.

Also worth highlighting is an in-depth article on plant-based dashi from Fuji Oil, a frontrunner in plant protein innovation.

Finally, a concerning trend: increasing numbers of women are engaging in drinking behaviors that pose health risks. This rise is linked not only to social factors—such as the growing pressure on women to balance work with domestic responsibilities—but also to biological factors, as women generally metabolize alcohol more slowly and are more prone to developing alcohol dependence. Raising awareness around these health risks is now more important than ever.

【EVENT】Starting with the Sea: A Regenerative Step Toward the Next 100 Years (August 7) NEW

Have you visited the ocean this summer? While it may appear unchanged, the sea is being deeply affected by climate change, marine waste, and the loss of seaweed beds.This event reframes our relationship with nature—from oceans to forests to urban life—through the lens of the sea. It brings together businesses, environmental practitioners, and socially conscious individuals for open dialogue and co-creation toward a shared future.

Featuring regenerative thinkers and doers, the event will highlight real-world cases involving climate action, marine resources, and regional revitalization. Learn how these insights can inform your own sustainability strategies.

Click here for more details

【PODCAST】Tabemono Integral #13 – Future Scenario [Part 1]: Urban Farming Revolution with Takayoshi Serizawa of PLANTIO

Our first-ever guest episode features Takayoshi Serizawa, CEO of PLANTIO Inc.—whose grandfather coined the Japanese word “planter".

Serizawa is pioneering urban farming through IoT sensors, a dedicated community app called Grow, and a lifestyle that reconnects us to soil. His challenge to rethink food, education, and environmental contribution through tech is reshaping the future of how we grow and eat.

The episode delves into how PLANTIO addresses the challenges of analog farming—like knowledge transfer and operations—and offers a peek into their groundbreaking system.

Click here for more details

【PODCAST】Tabemono Radio #260 (s29-2): What Is a Hamburger, Really? – Beef? Mixed? With or Without Binders?

Could you define what a hamburger really is?
This episode dives deep into the cultural and culinary complexities of hamburgers, from U.S. and Japanese definitions to patty specifications and linguistic origins. By the end, you'll likely be even more confused—but in a fun way!

Click here for more details

Support Tabemono Radio and its mission to make learning about food fun here.

【BOOK】“Hope in the Valley of the Wind”: A Blueprint for a Future Worth Preserving

*Available in Japanese

Is urban concentration humanity’s destiny?

The author had a sudden realization: If things continue as they are, culturally rich, nature-filled lands will be abandoned, and we’ll be forced to live only in cities.

This intuition led to seven years of interdisciplinary collaboration, reimagining infrastructure, energy, education, health, agriculture—and envisioning a radically alternative world.

From the author of “Start with Why Issues Matter”, this is a powerful manifesto for a movement that will take decades.