Foodberry partners with Bel Group to drive innovation and growth in fruit-based snacking
Foodberry, an award-winning B2B innovation company and manufacturer known for its cutting-edge food technology solutions, today announced a strategic partnership with Bel US, the American arm of the global Bel Group. Bel Group is the maker of iconic brands such as Babybel® and GoGo squeeZ®. The collaboration aims to revolutionize the U.S. fruit snack market by developing innovative, convenient, and nutritious snacks made with real fruit. Through this partnership, Bel will leverage Foodberry’s proprietary food technology platform to bring healthier, more sustainable snack options to American consumers while supporting their mission to make fruit-based snacks more accessible to all.
The strategic partnership brings together Bel’s market leadership, brand recognition, and expertise in portion-sized snacks with Foodberry’s innovative technology in plant-based coatings derived from real fruit. These coatings enable the creation of bite-sized snacks that combine fruit, protein, and other functional ingredients in formats that are convenient, mess-free, and delicious. The first product developed through the collaboration is expected to debut in select U.S. markets in 2026, marking a significant step into the $6 billion-plus U.S. fruit snack category.
“Our mission at Foodberry has always been to contribute to a healthier world by creating snacks that are both enjoyable and better for consumers,” said Marty Kolewe, CEO of Foodberry. “Partnering with Bel allows us to reimagine what’s possible in the snacking category, bringing real fruit and functional ingredients into convenient, portionable formats that meet the needs of modern consumers.”
The initiative aligns with current nutritional priorities, emphasizing increased consumption of fruits and protein to support a balanced diet. According to the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans, integrating more fruit and protein into daily eating patterns is a key strategy to promote overall health. By leveraging Foodberry’s technology, Bel aims to make it easier for consumers to meet these dietary recommendations without compromising on taste or convenience.
Foodberry’s technology draws inspiration from nature, mimicking the way fruits and vegetables are naturally protected by their skins. The platform transforms real fruit purée into edible, no-mess coatings that can encapsulate a variety of products, including nut butters, cheese, ice cream, and other shelf-stable ingredients. This approach allows the creation of unique snack formats that are bite-sized, portion-controlled, and versatile, opening opportunities for entirely new snacking experiences.
The platform is backed by more than 20 issued utility patents, highlighting Foodberry’s innovative approach to food science. By enabling brands to showcase signature products in entirely new ways, Foodberry is helping drive growth within the rapidly expanding bite-sized snacking segment, which has seen rising demand for functional, protein-rich, and fruit-forward options.
Caroline Sorlin, Chief Venture Officer at Bel Group, emphasized the synergy between the two companies: “Bel is committed to strengthening its leadership in portion-sized snacks using quality ingredients. Foodberry’s technology enables us to offer fruit and protein in a completely new, delicious, and mess-free format. We’re proud to work with a company that shares our values around nutrition, innovation, and accessibility.”
The collaboration underscores a shared dedication to nutrition accessibility, sustainability, and responsible food production. Both companies aim to leverage their strengths to provide consumers with snacks that are not only convenient and enjoyable but also aligned with modern dietary preferences and environmental considerations.
Carolina Cespedes Virguez, General Manager of GoGo squeeZ at Bel US, added, “This partnership will help bring our mission to life—making fruits, vegetables, and dairy more accessible to Americans through delicious, convenient, and nutritious snacks created in collaboration with Foodberry. Together, we’re reimagining snacking and introducing unique propositions to the market that deliver both taste and nutrition.”
Foodberry develops and produces all its products at its state-of-the-art R&D and manufacturing facility in Boston, Massachusetts. The company’s commercial product platforms already include real fruit bites, fruit-coated ice cream bites, and fruit-and-nut-butter combinations, showcasing the versatility of its technology. These offerings highlight Foodberry’s capability to innovate across categories and meet evolving consumer demands for clean-label, plant-forward, and protein-enriched snacks.
By combining Bel’s expertise in marketing and distribution with Foodberry’s technology, the partnership aims to create snacks that satisfy multiple consumer needs simultaneously: health, taste, convenience, and portion control. The collaborative products will also cater to the growing consumer trend toward functional foods—snacks that provide additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition, such as protein enrichment and fruit-based antioxidants.
In addition to delivering innovative snacking experiences, the partnership also reflects an ongoing commitment to sustainability. Foodberry’s plant-based coating technology reduces food waste by extending the usability of fruits and other ingredients, while Bel’s established supply chain ensures responsible sourcing and minimal environmental impact. Together, the companies are exploring ways to optimize packaging and production processes to further support sustainable practices across the product lifecycle.
The first product from this partnership is expected to feature a combination of real fruit and protein in a convenient, individually portioned snack format. By targeting the $6B+ U.S. fruit snack market, Bel and Foodberry hope to set a new standard in the snacking industry, combining functionality, nutrition, and taste. This approach also positions both companies to respond to growing consumer demand for snacks that fit seamlessly into busy lifestyles while supporting overall health.
“This collaboration represents more than just a product launch,” said Kolewe. “It’s a reimagining of snacking itself. We’re taking the familiar joy of fruit and protein and transforming it into formats that are accessible, portable, and perfectly suited for today’s on-the-go consumer. It’s innovation rooted in nutrition, convenience, and flavor.”
Bel and Foodberry are committed to continuing their research and development efforts, aiming to expand the portfolio of products developed through this partnership in the coming years. As consumer preferences evolve and the demand for healthier, more functional snacks grows, the collaboration positions both companies to lead innovation in the U.S. fruit snack category.
By combining the strengths of a global brand with a forward-thinking food technology company, this partnership demonstrates the potential to create snacks that not only meet the needs of consumers but also redefine the possibilities within the industry. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and accessibility, Bel and Foodberry are poised to deliver products that are both better for consumers and aligned with broader health and nutrition goals.
In summary, this strategic partnership between Foodberry and Bel US represents a significant step toward the next generation of fruit-based snacking. By merging technological innovation with iconic brand strength, the collaboration seeks to create convenient, nutritious, and flavorful snacks that make healthy eating easier and more enjoyable for all Americans.
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