Five Cargill Innovations Win 2025 Edison Awards™ for Transforming the Future of Food and Agriculture

Cargill recognized for innovations in food waste reduction, biofuels, expanding protein options, global water access, and animal health

WAYZATA, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cargill is honored to win five 2025 Edison Awards, recognizing the company’s bold innovations that are shaping the future of food and agriculture. From advancing climate-smart farming to driving breakthroughs in nutrition and water access, each award-winning solution showcases how Cargill is building a more secure and resilient food system.

The Edison Awards, named for inventor Thomas Edison, celebrate the best in innovation, recognizing products and teams that solve global challenges, shape markets and inspire change. This marks the third consecutive year Cargill’s innovations have been named among the winners.

“Behind every innovation is a dedicated team working to solve real-world challenges in food and agriculture,” said Florian Schattenmann, Cargill’s chief technology officer. “These awards reflect the passion, collaboration and purpose that drive our teams to reimagine what’s possible, whether it’s improving global nutrition, reducing food waste or supporting farmer livelihoods. I’m incredibly proud of the teams who brought these solutions to life and the positive impact they’re having around the world.”

The 2025 award-winning innovations reflect Cargill’s commitment to shaping the future of food and agriculture:

• [SILVER] Winter Camelina for Biofuels – A cold-climate oilseed grown between seasons like a cover crop, offering farmers new income while supplying low-carbon fuel and feed. In 2025, acreage doubled, with successful sales to a SAF producer and major airline—making this crop a climate-smart win from farm to fuel.
• [SILVER] Cultivated Grade™ Media – A customizable, more affordable cell culture media designed to help emerging protein technologies scale by reducing a major cost barrier. Developed with input from top start-ups, it’s a purpose-built solution supporting the future of diversified protein.
• [BRONZE] Cargill Natural Flavors – A proprietary blend of natural antioxidants that extends the shelf life of ground beef by up to five days – surpassing current solutions while minimizing food waste and increasing retail flexibility. Already adopted by major retailers, it’s expected to safely preserve 1.5 million pounds of ground beef per year.
• [BRONZE] Cargill Currents – A joint initiative between Cargill and Global Water Challenge that tackles water challenges by tailoring solutions to address local needs. The partnership has improved access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) for over 150,000 people since launching in 2021 – from constructing solar pumps and handwashing stations to community training on WASH and water-smart agricultural practices.
• [BRONZE] REVEAL™ Layers – A first-of-its-kind technology that accurately and non-invasively measures laying hens' body composition on-site. Using Near-Infrared (NIR) technology, it enables real-time dietary adjustments to reduce feed costs, extend laying periods and boost egg production by up to 20 eggs per hen. Already in use in multiple countries, it's proven to optimize performance.

These innovations underscore Cargill’s role as a trusted partner at the center of the global food system – working alongside customers, farmers, and communities to unlock solutions that nourish people and the planet.

All nominations are reviewed by the Edison Awards’ Steering Committee and an executive judging body of over 2,000 senior business executives, academics, and innovation experts. For more on the Edison Awards, visit www.edisonawards.com.

About Cargill

Cargill is committed to providing food, ingredients, agricultural solutions and industrial products to nourish the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. Sitting at the heart of the supply chain, we partner with farmers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living.

Our approximately 160,000 employees innovate with purpose, providing customers with life’s essentials so businesses can grow, communities prosper, and consumers live well. With 160 years of experience as a family company, we look ahead while staying true to our values. We put people first. We reach higher. We do the right thing—today and for generations to come. For more, visit Cargill.com and our News Center.

About the Edison Awards

Established in 1987, the Edison Awards honor excellence in new product and service development, marketing, human-centered design and innovation. Past recipients include leading companies and innovators across industries. In 2021, the Edison Awards introduced the Lewis Latimer Fellowship to spotlight innovative Black thought leaders. Learn more at edisonawards.com.