30 Under 30 Food & Drink 2025: The Entrepreneurs Redefining the Future of F&B

Le 30 December 2024

Each year, Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list highlights the most promising young entrepreneurs whose innovations are transforming their industries. The 2025 Food & Drink edition shines a spotlight on revolutionary initiatives shaping the future of the food industry.

In Brief
The Forbes 30 Under 30 list is a global benchmark celebrating young leaders under 30 making significant impacts in their fields. For the 2025 edition, over 10,000 candidates were evaluated on criteria such as impact, financial performance, and creativity, culminating in a selection of 600 young leaders across 20 sectors.

This recognition by Forbes can significantly boost the visibility and credibility of the laureates’ businesses, attracting investors, partners, and potential customers.

Innovative Projects Featured
• Smackin’: Founded by Brian Waddick and Cole Schaefer, Smackin’ reimagines sunflower seeds with unique flavors like cinnamon churro and barbecue. Their innovative approach, paired with a strong social media presence, has driven exponential growth, reaching $20 million in revenue in 2024.
• Stellar Snacks: Co-founded by Gina Galvin, Stellar Snacks reinvents the pretzel by collaborating with emerging artists for creative packaging and offering distinctive flavors. The company invested $137 million in a new factory, solidifying its position in the U.S. market.
• Dose Daily: Created by Vasu Goyal, Dose Daily offers daily wellness shots featuring ingredients like zinc and ginger, backed by clinical trials. Distributed via Amazon and health retailers, these products cater to the growing demand for convenient wellness solutions.
• Bel-Fries: Founded by Annalee Schlossberg, Bel-Fries serves thick Belgian fries with 16 sauce options. Since its launch in 2020, the company has opened several locations in New York and projects $2.5 million in revenue for 2024.
• Craftmix: An initiative by Jake Tannenbaum, Craftmix provides individual sachets for cocktails and mocktails, meeting consumer demands for health-conscious and sustainable options. With a presence in Walmart and on JetBlue flights, the company anticipates $8 million in revenue in 2024.

Insight and Analysis
Stories and Values as Differentiators:
Brands like Stellar Snacks and Craftmix show that consumers are drawn to products with clear values and authentic stories. These narratives foster loyalty and help brands stand out in a crowded market.
The Rise of Personalization:
With initiatives like Bel-Fries’ 16 sauces or Smackin’s unique flavors, consumers increasingly favor tailored experiences. This trend reflects a desire for individuality and control in their food choices.
Digital Presence as a Key Driver:
Social media and engaging content have become indispensable tools for F&B businesses. Smackin’s 700,000 followers and Wishbone Kitchen’s millions of interactions highlight the importance of building a strong online community.
Sustainability as a Standard:
Brands like Craftmix cater to the rising demand for eco-friendly products. Sustainability is no longer optional but a prerequisite to attract environmentally conscious customers.
The Hybrid Model of Craft and Industry:
Stellar Snacks blends artisanal branding (through artistic collaborations) with large-scale industrial production supported by strategic investments. This hybrid model, balancing authenticity with scalability, emerges as a key success factor for meeting both local and global expectations.