Foodspring is a German startup founded in 2013,[1] which primarily sells sports nutrition such as protein powder and protein bars, but also 'fitness versions' of common foods.[2][3] It was sold to Mars Inc. in 2019.[4]

Foodspring
Company typeStartup
IndustryNutrition
Founded2013; 11 years ago (2013)
FounderTobias Schüle, Philipp Schrempp, ECONA AG
Key people
Christian Bubenheim (CEO)
ProductsSports nutrition (protein powder, protein bars, fitness foods)
OwnerMars, Incorporated
Number of employees
180 (as of 2024)
ParentMars, Incorporated
Websitefoodspring.de

History

edit

In 2013, Tobias Schüle and Philipp Schrempp founded the company in Berlin together with the ECONA AG.[5]

It was purchased by Mars Inc. in 2019[4] for approximately 300 million euro[1] through its investment arm Mars Edge.[6] At the time, it had 130 employees.[7] At the time, it was planned that the founders Schrempp and Schüle would remain in their respective positions at the company.[6]

In 2021, the founders left the company, and were replaced by Gerrit Meier.[8] As of 2024, the company has 180 employees.[5]

In 2023, Christian Bubenheim was named as the new chief executive officer.[9][10]

Products and reception

edit

The company sells protein powder and shakes, as well as Protein bars, porridge, pancake mix and other food marketed as functional sports nutrition.[6] The products are sold in 17 different countries.[5]

Their products have been ranked favourably in product reviews, including by GQ Germany[11][12] and Vogue Germany.[13]

In 2020, a bread mix was recalled due to contamination with Ethylene oxide.[14]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b Heuberger, Sarah (2021-03-15). "Die Foodspring-Gründer hören auf – neuer CEO kommt von Redbull". Business Insider (in German). Retrieved 2024-05-22.
  2. ^ Hilgenstock, Sophie. "Protein Cream: Gesunde und kalorienarme Nussnougatcreme?". RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland.
  3. ^ Doose, Nils (2022-03-05). "Protein Pancakes: Diese 3 Low-Carb-Rezepte sind einfach UND fluffig!". GQ Germany (in German). Retrieved 2024-05-22.
  4. ^ a b "Mars: Süßwarenriese kauft deutsches Start-up für Sportlernahrung - WELT". DIE WELT (in German). 2019-07-01. Retrieved 2024-05-22.
  5. ^ a b c "Über uns". Foodspring (in German). Retrieved 2024-05-31.
  6. ^ a b c "Fitness-Start-up: Mars beteiligt sich an Foodspring". Lebensmittel Zeitung (in German). Retrieved 2024-05-31.
  7. ^ Ksienrzyk, Lisa (2019-06-27). "Mars übernimmt Foodspring". Business Insider (in German). Retrieved 2024-05-20.
  8. ^ "Handelsblatt". www.handelsblatt.com. Retrieved 2024-05-22.
  9. ^ StartupValley (2023-09-13). "Ambitionen köstlich befeuern: foodspring enthüllt die Kampagne "Feed Your Fit"". Startups, Gründer, Web3, NFT, Krypto & Metaverse (in German). Retrieved 2024-05-31.
  10. ^ "Christian Bubenheim - CEO at foodspring" (PDF). Universität St. Gallen.
  11. ^ Herrmann, Raffaela (2022-05-02). "Proteinriegel Test 2024: Die 24 besten Eiweiß-Riegel in der Übersicht". GQ Germany (in German). Retrieved 2024-05-22.
  12. ^ Herrmann, Raffaela (2021-05-15). "Whey Protein Test 2024: Das sind die 33 besten Proteinpulver". GQ Germany (in German). Retrieved 2024-05-22.
  13. ^ Graf, Beatrice (2024-05-05). "Proteinpulver im Test – das sind die fünf besten Produkte". Vogue Germany (in German). Retrieved 2024-05-22.
  14. ^ "Rückruf: Ethylenoxid – foodspring ruft PROTEIN BREAD Backmischung zurück – Produktwarnungen – Produktrückrufe und Verbraucherwarnungen". www.produktwarnung.eu. Retrieved 2024-05-31.