The Food100 of 2025 is known: the list of the 100 most influential food innovators in the Netherlands. An independent jury compiles the Food100 each year and puts people in the spotlight who are leading the transition to a fairer, healthier, and more sustainable food system.
This year, 14 Brabant food innovators are on the list. It shows that Brabant pioneers not only have local impact but also form an important voice in the national food transition.
The fact that no less than 14 Brabant entrepreneurs are on the list this year shows that our pioneers in the food transition are doing well.
Marc Oudenhoven, Deputy
Surprise in Brabant
To celebrate this special result, Marc Oudenhoven (Deputy of the Province of North Brabant) and Jack Mikkers (Chairman of AgriFood Capital and Mayor of s-Hertogenbosch) surprised 2 Brabant entrepreneurs with the announcement that they are on the list: Diana van Bokhoven (Groentjessoep) and Douwe Verschuur (Restaurant Nevel).
Deputy Marc Oudenhoven emphasizes the Brabant strength: “The fact that no less than 14 Brabant entrepreneurs are on the list this year shows that our pioneers in the food transition are doing well. We are proud of that as a province.”
Jack Mikkers also sees the added value of the Food100 list: “The list shows that pioneering, innovating, and sometimes swimming against the tide can make a difference for the future of a sustainable food system.”
Brabant Changemakers: Groentjessoep and Restaurant Nevel
Groentjessoep offers a food education program for schools, where children taste a new vegetable every week and learn about the superpower of vegetables. The soups are nutritious, flavorful, and made with vegetables that would otherwise be thrown away but are still perfectly suitable. Thus, Groentjessoep combats food waste.
Restaurant Nevel in Den Bosch combines culinary refinement with a cozy living room atmosphere. With just one surprise menu, in which seasonal vegetables play the main role, Restaurant Nevel prevents waste. Ingredients are sourced from local and organic producers, ensuring fair products and a short supply chain.
Chef Douwe Verschuur responds enthusiastically: “It is a great honor to be on such a list. For entrepreneurs who make conscious choices to work sustainably every day, it is important to be encouraged. Commercially, these are usually not the most interesting choices. Being recognized and picked up by a list like the Food100 helps with that.”
About Food100
The Food100 is an initiative of Food Hub, AgriFood Capital, and Food Inspiration and is supported by Aaff, Food impactors, Rabobank, and the Province of North Brabant. The aim of the list is to highlight 100 food innovators each year who contribute to a future-proof food system. The list consists of changemakers from young talent to established leaders, spread across the country.