The Good Food Institute is a nonprofit philanthropic organization working to transform the food production system.

Our team has professionals in Brazil, the United States, India, Israel, European countries, and the Asia Pacific region. We work to build a world where alternative proteins are the safest, fairest, and most sustainable option to feed the population through a food production system that does not depend on animals and respects the environment.

  • Mission

    We are paving the way for a protein chain that is sustainable, safe, and fair. To this end, we identify the most effective solutions, mobilize resources and talent, and empower partners across the food system to make alternative proteins more accessible and palatable.

  • Vision

    A world where alternative proteins are no longer alternative.

  • Values

    We believe that change is possible. We do the best we can. We share knowledge freely.

  • Mission

    We are paving the way for a protein chain that is sustainable, safe, and fair. To this end, we identify the most effective solutions, mobilize resources and talent, and empower partners across the food system to make alternative proteins more accessible and palatable.

  • Vision

    A world where alternative proteins are no longer alternative.

  • Values

    We believe that change is possible. We do the best we can. We share knowledge freely.

Our theory of change

Alternative proteins such as meat, egg, milk, and derivatives made from plants, obtained by fermentation or cultivated from cells, offer a more sustainable, safe, and fair way to feed the world.

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Challenges
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Challenges

Currently, one of humanity’s main challenges is to think of alternatives to feed a global population that should reach almost 10 billion people by 2050. It is not enough to increase food productivity only but to produce it sustainably and safely without requiring using even more of the natural resources of our planet, especially water and land.

Solutions
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Solutions

It is possible to produce meat sustainably and efficiently from plants, fermentation processes, or cell culture. These changes help mitigate the effects of the climate crisis, environmental degradation, and the rise of antibiotic resistance and ensure respect for animals. We will make more progress by changing the available options than by trying to change people’s opinions and eating habits.

How we work

As a nonprofit organization, GFI proposes accelerating the development of the alternative proteins sector with fairness and transparency in all our projects and actions.

  • We share knowledge freely

    We share knowledge freely

    In an area where many innovators and scientists are looking for proprietary solutions to the same set of problems, GFI makes research, data, and knowledge available openly and freely, thus supporting the advancement of the entire alternative protein sector.

  • Our focus is where few are

    Our focus is where few are

    GFI is committed to high-impact solutions in areas where few people are working, with little investment.

  • Thinking big

    Thinking big

    Our approach unites the cultivated, plant-based, and fermented protein industries. We think long-term and work worldwide, at every point in the supply chain with the public and private sectors.

  • We share knowledge freely

    We share knowledge freely

    In an area where many innovators and scientists are looking for proprietary solutions to the same set of problems, GFI makes research, data, and knowledge available openly and freely, thus supporting the advancement of the entire alternative protein sector.

  • Our focus is where few are

    Our focus is where few are

    GFI is committed to high-impact solutions in areas where few people are working, with little investment.

  • Thinking big

    Thinking big

    Our approach unites the cultivated, plant-based, and fermented protein industries. We think long-term and work worldwide, at every point in the supply chain with the public and private sectors.

Collaboration

How we are financed

GFI is entirely funded by philanthropy, and our progress is only possible thanks to donations and grants from our donor family. People around the world support our work because, together, we can transform the food production system and thus mitigate the effects of climate change, environmental degradation, hunger, the mistreatment of animals, and the risk of zoonoses and antibiotic-resistant diseases.

Our areas of expertise

Explore the science behind the technologies used to produce plant-based, cultivated, and fermented proteins. Discover new research and funding opportunities, as well as open-access tools.

As a nonprofit organization, we advocate for fair policies and public funding for developing plant-based, cell-grown, or fermented meat, eggs, milk, and dairy products.

Find market opportunities, open-access information, and guidelines specifically designed to produce and market alternative proteins.

GFI around the world

GFI works to maximize the impact of the food production system. In addition to Brazil, we are also present in the United States, India, countries in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, and Israel.

Map of GFI around the world

Our team

Our team has specialists in public policy, industry, startups, food service, investments, innovation, communication, science, and technology. We work to improve the global food system for the planet, people, and animals.

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Gustavo Guadagnini

Gustavo Guadagnini

President of GFI Brazil

Business administrator graduated from PUC-SP. His goal is to create a healthier, safer, fairer, and more sustainable food production chain by supporting industries that aim to develop alternatives to animal-origin ingredients, whether in plant-based technologies or cultivated tissue. He is one of the most active promoters in the sector, being listed in 2020 by GQ magazine as one of the Brazilians on the list of “25 names that can save the world.”

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Cristiana Ambiel

Cristiana Ambiel

Science and Technology Manager

Master in Food Technology. She has experience with food innovation projects and educational programs. She has already participated as a visiting scientist in the food waste project at the Food Innovation Centre in Australia and led the implementation of the SENAI Institute of Food Technology, where she worked for 24 years.

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Luciana Fontinelle

Luciana Fontinelle

Science and Technology Specialist

Ph.D. in Food Engineering. She has experience with research and extension projects in Biotechnology and Sustainability. She worked as a visiting researcher at the Institute of Food Research in England and as a professor of the Food Engineering course at the Federal University of Goiás.

4 - 27
Amanda Leitolis

Amanda Leitolis

Science and Technology Specialist

Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology, with more than ten years of experience in laboratory research and five years of experience in cell culture and tissue engineering. She has worked on research projects to develop biological frameworks associated with stem cells that act as tissue substitutes and biological products.

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Lorena Pinho

Lorena Pinho

Science and Technology Analyst

Food Engineer, Master in Food Science, and Ph.D. in Food Engineering. She has experience in encapsulation and extrusion processes, extraction of bioactive compounds, physicochemical analysis, quality control, food consulting, and food product innovation. She has worked on research projects involving proteins, starches, and hydrocolloids. She worked as a professor in technical food courses (CETEP and SENAI-Bahia) and as a visiting researcher at Ohio State University in the United States.

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Mariana Demarco

Mariana Demarco

Science and Technology Analyst

Master in Food Science and Ph.D. student in Food Science at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC). She has a background in scientific research, food technology, and new product innovation and development. She has worked on projects in the development and characterization of algae as ingredients for the development of food products, focusing on plant-based products.

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Isabela Pereira

Isabela Pereira

Science and Technology Analyst

Master in Food Engineering, with experience in cell culture systems in bioreactors, operation of bioreactors, and scaling up of cell culture bioprocesses. In just over ten years, she has worked in scientific research, R&D, and quality control in the food industry, microbiological controls, and fermentation process control.

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Graziele Grossi Bovi Karatay

Graziele Grossi Bovi Karatay

Science and Technology Specialist

Ph.D. in Food Engineering, with more than ten years of experience in laboratory research. She has worked mainly on the following topics: structuring vegetable oils, evaluating the techno-functional properties of vegetable proteins, cold plasma, and humidity control in modified atmosphere packaging.

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Raquel Casseli

Raquel Casseli

Corporate Engagement Director

Social communicator specialized in corporate sustainability management from Fundação Dom Cabral. She has worked on communication, sustainability, and impact business projects. She has experience in relationship, advice, and service to large companies and their executives focused on supporting the entire private productive sector – rural producers, large companies in the food, ingredients, and equipment sector, startups, investors, innovation hubs, and retailers – in their demands related to the market of alternative proteins.

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Guilherme Oliveira Vilela

Guilherme Oliveira Vilela

Corporate Engagement Specialist

Business administrator graduated from the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU). He has worked with innovation management for eight years, supporting the development of innovative technology-based businesses and offering support to structuring and articulating entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems. He has experience in the management and planning of business incubators, technology mapping, mapping and articulation of innovation ecosystems, planning and execution of business acceleration, and open innovation programs.

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Camila Lupetti

Camila Lupetti

Corporate Engagement Specialist

Graduated in Social Sciences, specializing in Public Opinion and Market Intelligence. She has worked in the market, media, and public opinion research institutes, conducting qualitative and quantitative research, from planning to analyzing results. She has served clients in the public, private, and third sectors, always focusing on providing accurate and relevant information for decision-making in their respective areas of activity.

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Gabriel Mesquita

Gabriel Mesquita

ESG Analyst

Environmental and Sanitary Engineer graduated from the Federal University of Goiás (UFG) with 6 years of experience in corporate and operational sustainability. He worked in health, safety and the environment (HSE) and the structuring of data management systems and partnerships for scientific research in environmental conservation reserves. He has experience in creating, implementing and managing socio-environmental programs focused on conservation, environmental education and territorial development.

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Bruno Filgueira

Bruno Filgueira

Corporate Engagement Analyst

Environmental and Sanitary Engineer graduated from the Federal University of Goiás (UFG) with 6 years of experience in corporate and operational sustainability. He worked in health, safety and the environment (HSE) and the structuring of data management systems and partnerships for scientific research in environmental conservation reserves. He has experience in creating, implementing and managing socio-environmental programs focused on conservation, environmental education and territorial development.

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Alexandre Cabral

Alexandre Cabral

Public Policies Vice President

Social scientist with a Master’s in intellectual property and innovation. He has worked for eighteen years in the private sector, holding various IT positions, followed by 17 years in the public sector, working at the Brazilian Innovation Agency and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce

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Alysson Soares

Alysson Soares

Public Policies Specialist

Political scientist graduated from the University of Brasília (UnB) with an extension in Regimental Legislative Process from the Brazilian Legislative Institute (ILB). He has eight years of experience in Governmental and Institutional Relations and experience with the engagement of decision-makers and monitoring and analysis of the Legislative and Executive Branches, focusing on negotiation, public policy formulation, the legislative process, and government decision-making. He has participated in and led consulting projects for entities, companies, and class associations. In recent years, he acted as an institutional representative of the Brazilian bean and pulses production chain.

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Mariana Bernal

Mariana Bernal

Public Policies Analyst

Internationalist studying for a Master’s in sustainable development at the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ). She has worked as an administrative assistant in the retail sector and has experience in the third sector in social entrepreneurship projects in project management and research.

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Manuel Netto

Manuel Netto

Public Policies Jr Analyst

Bachelor in International Relations from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-RIO) with an emphasis on Afro-Brazilian Studies and Latin American Studies, and certified by the Afro-Latin American Research Institute of Harvard University. He has a background in international NGOs and the public sector, particularly in institutional and government relations, project and research management, inclusion and diversity, and public policy analysis.

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Gabriela Garcia

Gabriela Garcia

Policy Analyst

Master in Public Policy and Human Development from the Maastricht University in partnership with the UNU-Merit. She has over 5 years of experience in Public Policy Analysis, including through technical assistance and research analysis for Monitoring & Evaluation projects. Her proficiency extends to the UN ecosystem, as she was selected to join the Brazilian Mission in Geneva and has recently contributed to a FAO publication on COVID-19 response in rural Latin America and the Caribbean.

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Vinícius Gallon

Vinícius Gallon

Communication Specialist

Journalist graduated from the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná. He is an expert in social communication, art, and culture production and management. With more than ten years of experience in social impact communication and cause marketing, he has developed nationally awarded audiovisual campaigns and projects to advocate for human rights. He focuses on developing multiplatform communication strategies and leading teams in press relations, social media, audiovisual production, design, and writing.

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Fabio Cardoso

Fabio Cardoso

Communication Analyst

Graphic designer graduated from the Federal University of Paraná. He has a solid background in digital marketing, web development, motion graphics, and editorial. Over ten years, he has worked in national and international marketing agencies, developing print production skills, a holistic view of marketing planning, and a growing passion for branding and animation. As a freelancer, he worked on social impact projects on information accessibility and human rights, practicing user-centered design.

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Lívia Brito

Lívia Brito

Communication and Marketing Analyst

Public relations officer graduated from Universidade Salvador, a Strategic Management in Organizational Communication and Public Relations specialist – GESTCORP/ECA/USP and Master in Preservation of Cultural Heritage – IPHAN. She is currently studying for a specialization in Social Media in Organizations. Volunteer editor at the Mapa Educação Movement and founder of the Benizia Blog.

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Victoria Gadelha

Victoria Gadelha

Communication Analyst

Environmental journalist, graduated from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio) and with an MBE in the Environment from Coppe-UFRJ, she worked in the communication of the impact of companies and the third sector. He has experience in creating articles about social causes and environmentalism. It is focused on producing content for social media, press, blog, newsletters and document translation.

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Ana Carolina Rossettine

Ana Carolina Rossettine

Development Manager

Economist graduated from the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo. She has worked in a bank and the home appliance industry, accumulating experience in business, campaign development, budget control, and market research. She focuses on establishing relationships that convert into donations, interacting with people, companies, and foundations, and identifying fundraising opportunities.

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Karine Seibel

Karine Seibel

Operations and HR Manager

Trilingual executive secretary with a postgraduate degree in Business Administration from Fundação Getúlio Vargas. She has more than ten years of experience as an executive assistant. She has worked for multinationals in different segments, assisting presidents, directors, managers, and expatriates, managing and planning with complete confidentiality and competence, operations, administrative functions, and general support for corporate offices.

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Ana Paula Rossettini

Ana Paula Rossettini

Human Resources Analyst

Postgraduate communicator in Human Resources. She has over 20 years of experience in people management, developing projects in call centers, hospitals, and health startups in human resources subsystems. She focuses on admission processes, recruitment and selection, training and development, benefits, and the personnel department.

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Camila Fernanda do Nascimento

Camila Fernanda do Nascimento

Operations and Finance Analyst

Administrator studying MBA in Business Management at the University of São Paulo (USP). She has worked for over ten years, supporting the third sector’s administrative, financial, operations, and general support areas. She focuses on payment flow management, financial and accounting reporting, auditing, and funding requests.

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Julia Cadete

Julia Cadete

Junior Operations Analyst

Psychologist graduated from Universidade Paulista (UNIP). With experience and focus in the Human Resources area with an emphasis on training and development, internal communication, planning and preparation of corporate events within the field of life sciences.

Work at GFI

We work every day for a better world. Join our team to help transition to a global food production system better for the environment, food safety, and human and animal health.

Our partners

  • Daniele Zuckerman

    Daniele Zuckerman

    GFI Brazil Ambassador
    1 - 11

    "When we discuss the alternative protein sector, we have to look at the food chain systemically. The scarcity of quality food is intrinsically linked to the fact that we produce food to feed animals and then eat these animals in a highly inefficient calculation. We could feed the world’s population three times with the vegetables planted today. Taking animals and derivatives off your plate is the most effective personal act you can do today to avoid food shortages, climate change, chronic diseases, and pandemics. The vegetable meat and dairy production industry, cultivated and obtained by fermentation, has a much more efficient production system. We produce these foods with a fraction of the environmental impact, without collaborating with the formation of new zoonotic diseases or food shortages, and without mistreating any animal. We need industrial development policies, investment in science, training rural producers, a competitive tax chain, science-based regulation, innovation environments for startups, etc. Our team is dedicated to improving the global food system for the planet, people, and animals. Count us in!"

    Daniele Zuckerman

    GFI Brazil Ambassador
  • Amanda Pinto

    Amanda Pinto

    Founder of N.Ovo
    2 - 11

    “GFI has been with N.OVO since the beginning of the project when it was just a food tech arm within the Mantiqueira group. They were a vital part of this process, especially concerning market information and connection with companies operating in this segment longer in other countries. The partnership between N.OVO and GFI completes four years in 2021, and I can say that it is very positive to be able to count on such qualified professionals in expanding this up-and-coming market.”

    Amanda Pinto

    Founder of N.Ovo
  • Marcos Leta

    Marcos Leta

    Founding partner of Fazenda Futuro
    3 - 11

    “My mission is to change Brazil’s meat and dairy industry from using animals to using plants. GFI Brazil gave me invaluable insight and introduced me to companies and factories in the US so that I could analyze how their models could be adapted and applied in my home country. Brazil is ready for a profound plant-based revolution!”

    Marcos Leta

    Founding partner of Fazenda Futuro
  • Sérgio Pinto

    Sérgio Pinto

    Founder of Cellva Ingredients
    4 - 11

    “GFI has been a tireless and unique partner on this journey. It is extremely welcome to have an entity like the GFI, a nonprofit organization intending to promote the best food development model. In addition, the technical bodies that are part of the GFI, not only in Brazil but in the world, are highly qualified, and our level of discussion is always prosperous. This reputable side, which dialogues in the same way with the industry, the government, and the new economy, without any kind of bias, is charming. We are delighted to have you as partners on this journey.”

    Sérgio Pinto

    Founder of Cellva Ingredients
  • Eduardo Noronha

    Eduardo Noronha

    Global Head of HR and Operational Excellence at JBS
    5 - 11

    “We believe that all initiatives to encourage the development of alternative proteins are very good and welcome. We fully support this type of action, and we have been working together, including in our innovation hubs, and it has been very productive in this regard. Alternative proteins are an important part of our strategy.”

    Eduardo Noronha

    Global Head of HR and Operational Excellence at JBS
  • John Pinto

    John Pinto

    Chief Executive Officer of Plant Plus
    6 - 11

    “GFI is part of that heart that keeps the union alive between the companies. I believe that GFI’s work is very important in bringing fundamental insights regarding the advance of consumption, trends, and a series of other factors that are critical from now onward. In addition, this work helps keep the industry connected and challenging itself to develop new technologies. I hope we continue working together. You are an important partner for Plant Plus Foods.”

    John Pinto

    Chief Executive Officer of Plant Plus
  • Bruno César Prosdocimi Nunes

    Bruno César Prosdocimi Nunes

    General Coordinator of Science for Bioeconomy of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation
    7 - 11

    “GFI has been essential in helping us understand how the market behaves and will behave in the future concerning alternative proteins. The work with GFI has already been carried out within the Ministry for three years, and this has helped us understand the theme’s importance and how it has been growing, both in the world and in Brazil. Thus, we have managed to think about the possibility of inserting alternative proteins in public policies in the Ministries of Agriculture, Science, and others. At Government, we cannot deal directly with companies, but we can dialogue with the entities representing them. You tell us what the wishes and needs are for new legislation and the development of these companies.”

    Bruno César Prosdocimi Nunes

    General Coordinator of Science for Bioeconomy of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation
  • Daniel Trento

    Daniel Trento

    General Coordination for Innovation of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply
    8 - 11

    “Public bodies need partners who think about the future, bring relevant and challenging themes to the planet, but, above all, get their hands dirty. In other words, to propose discussion forums, project execution, joint fundraising, and other possibilities. Deep down, we all want a better world, and I think this type of action only enriches the debate and, consequently, public policies.”

    Daniel Trento

    General Coordination for Innovation of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Supply
  • PhD Caroline Mellinger

    PhD Caroline Mellinger

    Embrapa researcher contemplated by the 2019 Research Incentive Program notice
    9 - 11

    “GFI does essential work in the movement toward innovation. The organization acts as a bridge, connecting the productive sector to research and development. So, we can only thank you for the support, not just financial, but the production of knowledge that guides our decision-making.”

    PhD Caroline Mellinger

    Embrapa researcher contemplated by the 2019 Research Incentive Program notice
  • Vinícius Picanço Rodrigues

    Vinícius Picanço Rodrigues

    Assistant Professor of Operations and Sustainability at Insper
    10 - 11

    “Dreaming of a new sustainable, accessible, and ethical food system makes my eyes shine. GFI realizes that dream in an articulated set of highly effective strategies and actions rewriting how we feed ourselves. The focus on effectiveness, the passion for making things happen, and the systemic vision that GFI brings to this great food challenge of our lives distinguish the organization. It makes me continually believe in its real power of transformation and impact.”

    Vinícius Picanço Rodrigues

    Assistant Professor of Operations and Sustainability at Insper
  • Marcel Fiorelli Fernandes

    Marcel Fiorelli Fernandes

    GFI Brazil Supporter
    11 - 11

    “GFI Brazil’s work is very important because one of the main ways to reduce the suffering of animals exploited for food is through the emergence of vegetable alternatives similar in taste and appearance to meat, milk, eggs, and derivative products. GFI Brazil is succeeding in this mission, and the results of its work are showing, as companies in the food sector are promoting launches of plant-based versions of traditional foods.”

    Marcel Fiorelli Fernandes

    GFI Brazil Supporter