Fast Company has released its provocative list of the 10 most innovative food companies of 2015. The list features companies recognized for their accomplishments in a wide array of fields - from fast casual dining and plant-based foods to distilleries, edible insects and sustainable technologies.
Taking the number one spot is Panera Bread for its "innovations in the company's tech, cafe layout, and even staffing" that improved the quality of service, the food and payment methods. Hampton Creek, the makers of the egg-free Just Mayo, ranked second while the farming data company 640 Labs earned the third spot.
EXO, a pioneer in foods made from edible insects, also appears on the list. The Brooklyn-based company uses cricket flour to make protein bars in exciting flavors like cacao nut, blueberry vanilla and peanut butter and jelly.Â
Below are the 10 most companies innovative companies of 2015 but swing by Fast Company to learn more about what makes each one so special:
1. Panera Bread
2. Hampton Creek
3. 640 Labs
4. Corsair Distillery
5. Tastemade
6. Munchery
7. EXO
8. Food-X
9. Wiserg
10. Consumer Physics
Via Fast Company