Direct Source International is a proud fruit importer in a rapidly changing world. About 10 years ago, Direct Source International started and over the past years, the company has grown to become a true specialist in grapes and citrus. Together with our partners, suppliers, and customers, we aim to allow everyone to enjoy fresh and healthy fruit.
The challenge is to minimize waste. The grapes and citrus fruits arrive in large quantities in our warehouses, after which we quickly retrade them. The incoming product is generally extremely fresh and of good quality. We want to market the majority of the product we receive. However, no matter how well we purchase and match supply and demand, there is always some leftover waste, such as the whole citrus fruits and a bunch of grapes which end up in the dumpster. The challenge is to find a different (more sustainable) destination for this residual product.
The following categories of food waste are generated:
- Grapes
- Citrus fruits
What we are looking for:
We are looking for another destination for the residual product that is currently being lost in the process. For example, we receive oranges in 15 kg boxes and grapes in a tray or bag. To transport it to the supermarket, fruits need to be sorted and packed in nets. In this way waste products are generated.
What we are not looking for:
A purchaser of a product, who wants to resell it without any modification or processing.
What we offer:
Opportunity to start a collaboration and/or partnership agreement with DSI.
This challenge is part of the Sidestream Innovation Challenge 2023, which consists of a total of 9 challenges in the field of valorization solutions and upcycling ingredients offered.
Conditions for Participation:
- You can demonstrate a working prototype/product/service.
- Able to start a pilot project in 3-6 months.
How does it work?
- Send in a short and concise pitch deck with your solution;
- As soon as you have uploaded your pitch, you will receive a confirmation so that you know that we have received your pitch;
- Your pitch is only visible to Direct Source International;;
- After the deadline, Direct Source International will assess all pitches individually and invite the companies with the most interesting solutions for a 1:1 conversation to get to know each other and look for opportunities to collaborate.
Pitch Format
Send in a short and concise pitch deck of your solution (max 4 pages / 12 slides) with description of the following two parts:
- A description of your product or solution:
- Give a short description of your product or solution, as detailed and visual as possible. In which phase is the solution?
- A description of your company & team;
- How and when was your company founded? In which phase are you? How many people? In which market are you active? Also a short description of the (managing) team.
- The pitch deck may be submitted in free form (presentation, slide deck, letter form), but must be uploaded as a PDF file (landscape or portrait A4 - max 30MB). Videos, example websites, etc. can be included as a link.
Timeline
- December 7 at 17.00 CET: Deadline challenge
- December 8 – December 20: Review period
- January 2024: 1:1 conversations
- Q1/Q2 2024 onwards: Discuss and start collaboration
Terms & Conditions
- Participation is open for startups, scale-ups, SMEs, grown-ups, innovators and scientists with an innovative product and/or technology.
- You will remain the owner of your intellectual rights, concept or solution in your pitch, until you agree otherwise.
- We strongly advise you to document everything you share with others and mention that information provided is confidential and intellectual property rights remain with you/ your company until agreed otherwise.
- Be aware of the fact that your pitch (and concepts and ideas in it) will be viewed and be shared with (internal) stakeholders. Keep IP sensitive unique (technical) details out of your pitch, keep it a secret that you can share later.
- Download Terms & Conditions