Cruz Foam Named in 2024 Food & Wine Game Changers List
The Food & Wine Game Changers list is an annual recognition by Food & Wine magazine, celebrating 17 influential individuals and companies who are transforming the culinary, hospitality, travel, and consumer packaged goods industries. Launched in 2021, the list highlights those who are driving significant and innovative changes in the way we eat and drink, emphasizing creativity, sustainability, and inclusivity.
Santa Cruz based company, Cruz Foam is one of the notable figures who made it to the list. Cruz Foam is a circular materials company that produces sustainable, compostable protective packaging products as an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastics. Originating from a research project at UC Santa Cruz, the company was founded by John Felts and Marco Rolandi. Cruz Foam's products, such as Cruz Cool™ for cold chain logistics and EcoVino™ for wine and spirits, are made from upcycled food waste and other biopolymers, ensuring they biodegrade much faster than traditional plastics.
Here are brief descriptions of the individuals and companies from the 2024 Food & Wine Game Changers list:
Erick Williams: Chef and owner of Virtue Restaurant in Chicago, known for his Southern American cuisine and efforts to foster community through food .
MìLà: A food company specializing in hand-made Chinese dumplings and dishes, known for bringing authentic Chinese flavors to the American market .
Hand Hospitality: A New York-based restaurant group renowned for creating unique dining experiences by blending Eastern and Western culinary traditions .
Brigaid: An organization founded by Chef Dan Giusti, dedicated to improving school and institutional food by placing professional chefs in schools to cook healthy and delicious meals .
Siete Foods: A family-owned company that produces grain-free Mexican-American food products, focusing on healthier, inclusive food options for those with dietary restrictions .
AirHood: The world's first portable kitchen air cleaner designed to reduce grease, smoke, and cooking odors, offering a more convenient and flexible alternative to traditional range hoods (The Airhood).
Brooklyn Kura: A craft sake brewery in New York City, pioneering the production of American-made sake with traditional Japanese techniques .
Chris and Courtney Storer: Sibling duo known for their work on the hit TV show "The Bear," which has brought new attention to the culinary world through its authentic portrayal of the restaurant industry.
Roshara Sanders and Rupa Bhattacharya: Chef Roshara Sanders and food writer Rupa Bhattacharya are recognized for their advocacy and contributions to creating more inclusive and diverse narratives in the food industry.
Bitty & Beau's Coffee: A coffee shop chain that employs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, promoting inclusivity and community integration.
Tiffanie Barriere: An award-winning bartender and mixologist celebrated for her innovative cocktails and contributions to the beverage industry, particularly in highlighting the stories of Black bartenders.
Zero Acre Farms: A company focused on creating environmentally friendly cooking oils that aim to reduce the environmental impact of traditional vegetable oils.
Cruz Foam: A sustainable materials company producing biodegradable foam from shrimp shells, aiming to reduce plastic pollution and create eco-friendly packaging solutions.
Blue Ocean Mariculture: A company specializing in sustainable aquaculture, particularly the farming of Hawaiian Kanpachi, promoting sustainable seafood practices.
French Bloom: A company offering non-alcoholic sparkling wines, catering to the growing demand for sophisticated, alcohol-free beverage options.
About Food & Wine
Food & Wine is a renowned American monthly magazine that was founded in 1978 by Ariane and Michael Batterberry. Published by Dotdash Meredith, the magazine focuses on culinary content, featuring recipes, cooking tips, travel information, restaurant reviews, and wine pairings. It is well-known for introducing innovative food trends and new culinary talents to the public. Food & Wine's premier event is the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, Colorado, which includes wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, and competitions, and is celebrated as the kickoff to Aspen's summer season