Building Plant-Based Food & Protein Communities
Bridge2Food is a global leader in the plant-based foods and alternative proteins sector. We’ve been working since 2002 to connect professionals, researchers and industry, to organize summits that grow ideas into actions, to educate in our hands-on academy courses, and to develop ecosystems that foster innovation.
Our driving force is to advance actions for a better food world and to help accelerate the protein transition to make plant-based foods the center of sustainable, accessible and healthy plans good for both people and the planet.
We take pride in doing work that makes a difference and in the relationships we build with our partners. We believe if we bring people together it will act as a catalyst for change.
Our Story
Since 2002, when founder Gerard Klein Essink exited the corporate world after 20 years and decided to become an entrepreneur, he has never wavered from his vision of creating a better food world with a mission to “build bridges between food professionals.”
With about 12,000 followers on LinkedIn, Gerard has a true passion for making connections around the globe and seeding new initiatives whenever and wherever possible.
When Bridge2Food started as a one-person operation based out of the Netherlands, it focused mainly on sports nutrition, healthy aging and, of course, proteins. Recognizing early on the sustainability, economic and food security benefits of plant-based proteins, Gerard pivoted to focus the company’s activities on the industry long before it was a widespread global trend.
Today, there is a core group of staff and many part-time workers on three continents who are committed to the vision of the company, and to trying to keep up to the unstoppable spirit and creativity of Gerard.
