Wisefood

Wisefood GmbH, a German food-tech company, is a notable producer of sustainable and edible disposable tableware. The company was established in 2017 by Philipp Silbernagel, Maximilian Lemke, and Patricia Titz, originating from a student project aimed at reducing plastic waste. The founders' journey began with the idea of utilizing fruit fibers, specifically apple fiber—a byproduct of juice production—to create a viable alternative to plastic straws. This initial concept led to the development of their flagship product, an edible drinking straw made from grain and apple fiber.

The company's business model focuses on providing sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics for a diverse client base that includes gastronomy, retailers, and wholesale consumers. Revenue is generated through the direct sale of its products, which are distributed across more than 20 countries and are available in over 5,000 stores, including major retailers like Aldi, Rewe, Edeka, and Metro. Wisefood operates as a full-range supplier with an extensive portfolio of over 1,000 items, catering to various business sizes. Its primary market consists of environmentally conscious consumers and businesses in the hotel, restaurant, catering, and events sectors seeking eco-friendly packaging and tableware solutions.

Wisefood's product line started with its signature edible 'Superhalm' (Super Straw), which remains stable in beverages for up to 60 minutes without altering the taste. Following the success of the straws, the company expanded its offerings to include a wide array of sustainable disposable and reusable items. This includes edible spoons, cups, and stirrers, as well as products made from materials like palm leaf, wood, and bagasse. A key achievement for Wisefood was its appearance on the German television show "Die Höhle der Löwen" ("The Lion's Den"). Despite not securing a deal on the show, the exposure served as a catalyst, motivating the team to refine their product and business model. The company has since secured multiple seven-figure funding rounds from investors such as Delivery Hero, Trivago founder Rolf Schrömgens, and Better Ventures. In early 2025, Wisefood was acquired by Leef, a specialist in palm leaf products, a strategic move to combine strengths, expand market reach, and further develop environmentally friendly solutions.

Keywords: edible tableware, sustainable packaging, food-tech, plastic alternatives, edible straws, disposable cutlery, eco-friendly products, food service supplies, gastronomy solutions, retail food packaging, B2B sustainability, apple fiber products, zero-waste products, biodegradable tableware, compostable packaging, hotel supplies, restaurant supplies, catering solutions, circular economy, cleantech