Prefer Secures $4.2M to Develop Sustainable Coffee and Cocoa Alternatives
APAC-based startup Prefer has raised $4.2 million to commercialize soluble, bean-free “extenders” for coffee and cocoa. These products aim to reduce both cost and environmental impact by decoupling flavour from traditional agricultural inputs, using fermentation-driven processes.
The funding round highlights growing investor interest in foodtech solutions that address climate and sustainability challenges. By leveraging advanced fermentation, Prefer offers producers a way to maintain taste profiles while lowering reliance on conventional crops, which are often resource-intensive.
Beyond the environmental angle, Prefer is targeting commercial food producers and foodservice operators, positioning itself as a scalable solution for global supply chains. The investment will support commercialisation efforts, expand production capabilities, and accelerate market adoption.
This development underscores a broader trend in APAC’s foodtech ecosystem, where scientific innovation meets practical sustainability, creating new pathways for both environmental impact and business growth.
Source:
A.M.
