Innovative solutions for better health at all ages

“Quality food plays a key role in health and helps reduce the risk of developing diseases.” For Anne-Cathy de Taevernier, Nutrition Director of Elior Group, it is important to support start-ups working on the relationship between food and health. The Group has in fact joined forces with the Nutrition Lab, an incubator dedicated to players which innovate for better health prevention. In 2020, five start-ups received Elior support, notably from around fifty Elior employees, purchasing or culinary experts.

Valérie’s start-up idea was inspired by her observation, as a mother, that our children consume relatively few fruits and vegetables and too many industrial products. “I have always had a keen interest in topics related to the environment, agriculture and food.  And then, I love children, their world, their creativity and their imagination, "she explains. As such, Valérie created Sympatoque, one of five start-ups supported by the Nutrition Lab. This company offers food boxes to families to cook meals at home with their children. Every two months, the families receive a booklet that tells stories about seasonal fruits and vegetables, and gives recipes, dry ingredients and utensils adapted for children. 

I have always had a keen interest in topics related to the environment, agriculture and food.

Another project was developed by Morgane, who created an application to support people in managing their daily diet. “Initially, Feeleat was created for people with eating disorders”. The application collects data related to eating behaviors: what they have eaten, the impact of food on their pain, their emotions or their behavior. "Feeleat is now reaching a wider audience of over a million people per month.” As part of the Nutrition Lab, Morgane presented her start-up to Elior dieticians. “With Elior, why not speak to all of their guests, children, employees and patients. In this respect, the Nutrition Lab opens up great prospects for me,” she concluded.

With Elior, why not speak to all of their guests, children, employees and patients. In this respect, the Nutrition Lab opens up great prospects for me.

What is microbiota used for? All intestinal bacteria help us stay healthy. Alessandra, founder of Luxia Scientific explains: “These microorganisms are found in our intestines. Obtained from our food, they synthesize vitamins and influence the way we feel and think. They play an essential role”. This Doctor of Science offers everyone, via her start-up Luxia Scientific, the possibility to have their microbiota diagnosed, and then rebalance it through their diet. Science shows that people in poor health have a less diverse microbiota.