A Startup’s Swift Rise in Sweet Innovation (Image Credits: Pixabay)
Austrian food-tech company Neoh announced a multi-million euro investment round backed by German retail powerhouse Rewe Group, signaling strong industry confidence in its sugar-reduction solutions.
A Startup’s Swift Rise in Sweet Innovation
Neoh launched in 2017 as a direct-to-consumer brand offering zero-added-sugar snacks across European markets. Its Crisp’n Cream products quickly gained traction, often ranking among the top three on supermarket shelves for sales velocity.
The company soon pivoted to business-to-business opportunities. Founders developed Zero+, a proprietary sugar substitute that addressed longstanding issues with taste and texture in complex foods like chocolate. This breakthrough opened doors to partnerships with confectionery makers and retailers, including Rewe’s Billa chain.
Neoh’s CEO Manuel Zeller highlighted the shift: “We began developing our own sugar reduction formula. The goal was clear: create the best-tasting product without the health challenges associated with sugar.”
Strategic Investors Fuel Expansion
The latest funding round proved multiple times oversubscribed, drawing commitments from key players in retail and food tech. Rewe Group emerged as a lead backer, underscoring retailers’ growing interest in healthier product formulations.
Other participants included food-tech specialist Zintinus and Teseo Capital. While exact figures remained undisclosed, sources described the total as multi-million euros, earmarked for scaling Zero+ applications beyond confectionery.
- Rewe Group: Provides retail expertise and initial B2B adoption via Billa.
- Zintinus: Focuses on food-tech advancements.
- Teseo Capital: Brings investment acumen to growth initiatives.
Zero+: Tackling a Global Food Challenge
Neoh’s Zero+ formula stands out for its versatility. It delivers sugar-like performance in demanding recipes, solving problems that plagued earlier alternatives.
Zeller emphasized its potential: “Chocolate represents one of the most complex applications for sugar reduction. Once we solved the challenge there, it became clear that Zero+ could be applied far beyond chocolate.” The technology now targets broader categories, responding to inbound demand from manufacturers.
Financial Momentum Amid Market Pressures
Neoh posted consolidated revenue of about €14 million ($16.5 million) in 2025, despite a €3 million net loss linked to cocoa price swings. Consumer lines like Crisp’n Cream drove much of that growth, matching category leaders in rotation speed.
Executives project revenue exceeding €20 million for 2026. Planning extends to 2028, with flexibility on whether B2B ingredients or consumer goods dominate sales.
| Metric | 2025 | 2026 Forecast |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue | €14m | >€20m |
| Net Loss | €3m | N/A |
- Neoh’s dual B2C-B2B model positions it for diversified growth.
- Rewe’s involvement validates Zero+ for mainstream retail.
- Oversubscribed round reflects investor appetite for health-focused tech.
This investment arrives as food makers face mounting pressure to cut sugar amid health campaigns and regulations. Neoh’s progress offers a blueprint for balancing indulgence and wellness. What do you think about the future of sugar alternatives? Tell us in the comments.
