MeliBio’s Bee-Free Honey Technology Acquired by Swiss Foodtech FoodYoung Labs

By: Trademagazin editor Date: 2025. 05. 29. 09:40

MeliBio, a California-based developer of plant-based honey alternatives, has been acquired by FoodYoung Labs, a Switzerland-headquartered foodtech company specializing in vertically integrated food innovation.

The acquisition includes MeliBio’s Mellody® brand, along with its Generation 1 technology and associated intellectual property.

“For foodtech to thrive, it needs the kind of deep roots that only experienced food companies can offer”

FoodYoung Labs operates an innovation facility in Balerna, Switzerland, focusing on the development of snack bars, chocolates, spreads, baked goods, and frozen products. The company maintains a portfolio of house brands such as ZAZ, Kakoo, Bonnap, FRŸZE, Mani, and CimaNorma, supplying products to markets in Europe and the United States. FoodYoung Labs’ expertise encompasses food science, culinary development, and ingredient sourcing.

MeliBio’s co-founder and CEO, Darko Mandich, reflected on the acquisition as a progression for the company’s objectives: “Established food companies are essential to advancing foodtech innovation, and MeliBio is excited to leverage the next chapter with FoodYoung Labs to create a meaningful, lasting impact in the industry.”

MeliBio gained industry attention as the creator of Mellody®, a plant-based honey substitute developed through proprietary plant science methods designed to reduce reliance on honeybees. Mellody® initially entered the market via high-end gastronomy, debuting at Eleven Madison Park, a 3-Michelin-starred restaurant, and later expanded to retail through partnerships including Aldi.

Scaling bee-free tech through integration

Following the acquisition, FoodYoung Labs will integrate MeliBio’s technology to further develop and scale sustainable food products. Abouzar Rahmani, founder and CEO of FoodYoung Labs, stated: “With our Swiss full-stack innovation lab and US commercial powerhouse, we’re taking MeliBio’s bee-free innovation to the next level—making Mellody truly clean-label and unrefined.”

Mandich also noted in a social media statement, “I’ve come to believe that for foodtech to thrive, it needs the kind of deep roots that only experienced food companies can offer. With FoodYoung’s longstanding heritage and expertise, I’m confident this is the right environment for MeliBio’s mission to grow and flourish.”