LOS ANGELES, Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AgTech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies, technologies and products in the global agricultural and food technology markets, today announced that Bayer has been selected as the recipient of “AI-based AgTech Solution of the Year” for E.L.Y. in the 5th annual AgTech Breakthrough Awards program. Bayer’s E.L.Y. system harnesses generative AI to equip sales teams, agronomists and other frontline employees in th ...

AgTech founder Julia Somerdin nearly closed her company in 2022. Today, her startup, Labby, works with farms to detect bacteria-infected milk before it leaves the farm. https://t.co/nvRxcdjbeO (Photo: Courtesy of Julia Somerdin) #ForbesOver50 https://t.co/iAf6jwId6y ...

Industry Overview - The agriculture industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by advanced technologies and innovations, addressing the urgent need for sustainable and efficient farming practices due to global population growth and climate change [2][3] - Agricultural technology (AgTech) and food innovation are pivotal in revolutionizing food production, enhancing productivity, and reducing environmental impact [2][3] AgTech Innovations - AgTech is reshaping food production, processing, and distribution through advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, and automation, leading to smarter and more sustainable agriculture [3] - Technologies such as precision farming, lab-grown meat, and plant-based alternatives are at the forefront of this transformation, enabling farmers to optimize operations and reduce resource waste [3][5] Protein Market Transformation - The global protein market is shifting towards healthier and more sustainable alternatives, including plant-based proteins and lab-grown meat, driven by health-conscious consumers [4] - Companies like Ingredion Incorporated are investing in plant-based ingredients to meet the rising global demand for sustainable protein solutions [4] Supply Chain Enhancements - Emerging technologies like blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT) are improving food traceability and safety standards while minimizing waste in logistics and distribution [5] - Automation in food processing and packaging is enabling companies to deliver fresher products more efficiently and reduce operational costs [5] Investment Opportunities - Companies adopting advanced technologies are gaining a competitive edge, with top-performing stocks in AgTech and food innovation presenting compelling investment opportunities [6] - Industry leaders such as Beyond Meat, Hormel Foods, and Tyson Foods are leveraging AgTech to enhance growth and competitiveness [6] Beyond Meat Initiatives - Beyond Meat is focused on redefining protein production through innovative plant-based meats that replicate traditional animal products, addressing climate change and public health challenges [8] - The company is expanding its global footprint and investing in sustainable product development and supply chain transformation [11] Hormel Foods Strategies - Hormel Foods is utilizing digital technologies and AgTech solutions to enhance operational efficiency and food production standards, including a $1.7 million investment in regenerative agriculture [11][13] - The company is expanding its innovation pipeline with a focus on alternative protein development through partnerships, such as with The Better Meat Co. [12] Tyson Foods Transformation - Tyson Foods is investing in agricultural technology and food innovation to support sustainable protein production and digital transformation [14] - The company is enhancing operational efficiency through automation and logistics improvements, aiming for $200 million in annual savings by 2030 [16]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, total revenues were approximately $1.2 million, representing a 22% increase year over year [16] - Zola revenues increased 90% compared to the same period last year, driven by a 70% increase in new distribution [4][17] - The cost of revenues in Q1 was approximately $680,000, a 45% increase year over year, with a gross margin rate of 43% compared to 52% in Q1 2024 [17] - Selling, general and administrative costs were $1.7 million, down from $2.1 million in Q1 2024 [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Zola coconut water sales increased 90% year over year, with sell-through data showing a 76% increase [4][6] - The company has successfully launched new flavors, with pineapple sales in the first four months of 2025 surpassing total sales from the previous year [7] - The company has a healthy pipeline and is in discussions with new customers and distributors representing over 50% of its current customer base [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The coconut water category grew 24% during the same period, indicating Zola's growth is significantly outpacing the overall market [6] - Zola's market presence is expected to expand, with new customer accounts already won in Q2 [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on monetizing its intellectual property and exiting its legacy ag tech business [10][12] - A pending business combination with Roosevelt Resources is on track to be completed by the end of summer 2025, with a fixed equity share ratio established [13][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the continued momentum from 2024 into 2025, with strong sales growth and a robust pipeline of opportunities [35] - The company does not anticipate significant impacts from recently announced tariffs due to proactive inventory management and cost-saving measures [9] Other Important Information - The company completed a transaction to regain rights to certain patents, eliminating a $1 million contingent liability from its balance sheet [12][19] - Cash at the end of Q1 was $3.2 million, down from $4.2 million at the start of the year, reflecting ongoing M&A expenses [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you quantify any successes in expanding the distribution pipeline for Zola? - Management indicated that the pipeline is about half of the current distribution, which is approximately 3,500 stores [27] Question: Will the momentum in distribution be reflected in 2025 financials? - Management expects that most of the awarded accounts will impact 2025 financials, despite a potential lag in product placement [28] Question: Is there any commercial value in the remaining patent from the legacy ag biotech business? - There is potential commercial value, but it is licensed to a third party, which is two years away from commercialization [29] Question: When is the expected receipt of the $2.5 million initial payment for the note receivable? - Management confirmed that the payment is scheduled for receipt in Q2 [31]