RE:HARVEST, P4G, ASEIC, and Multi Bintang Indonesia Successfully Host Food Upcycling Seminar in Jakarta

JAKARTA - RE:HARVEST, in collaboration with P4G (Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals), ASEIC, and PT Multi Bintang Indonesia TBK, hosted a Food Upcycling Seminar in Jakarta on February 14-15, aiming to advance sustainable food practices and reduce food waste. The event, held at SOTEN – Japanese Charcoal Grill, gathered policymakers, industry leaders, and sustainability advocates to discuss innovative approaches to food waste management and mitigating carbon emissions by upcycling beer by-products into nutrient-rich food ingredients.

The seminar is part of the P4G-funded Food Loss and Waste Reduction Project, which explores practical solutions to repurpose food waste. A key highlight was the transformation of Brewers’ Spent Grain (BSG) into RE:NERGY POWDER, a high-nutrient powder developed by RE:HARVEST(South Korea) in partnership with PT Multi Bintang Indonesia TBK. The initiative is seen as a step toward redefining Indonesia’s approach to food waste and circular economy models.

Seminar Highlights and Key Takeaways

The event featured in-depth discussions, live demonstrations, and interactive sessions that reinforced the potential of food upcycling to enhance food security and promote a circular economy. Some key moments included:

• Opening Remarks by RE:HARVEST, emphasizing the urgency of food waste reduction and sustainable food solutions.

• Insightful Presentations from P4G, ASEIC, and PT Multi Bintang Indonesia TBK highlighting the project’s measurable impact on Indonesia’s food sustainability landscape.

• Panel Discussions with representatives from BAPPENAS (Ministry of National Development Planning), BPOM(Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan), Ministry of UMKM, and Mission of the Republic of Korea to ASEAN, addressing the regulatory framework for upcycled food products in Indonesia.

• Live demonstrations showcased how RE:HARVEST’s upcycled powder can be used in different dishes, emphasizing its market potential.

• A Curated Dining Experience, where guests sampled upcycled food recipes prepared in collaboration with SOTEN’s culinary team.

• Networking Sessions, facilitating critical partnerships between industry players, government officials, and sustainability experts.

Impact and Industry Reception

The seminar drew participation from BAPPENAS, BPOM, IBCSD, UMKM, Energy Berish Foundation, KJPP ASR, Green Business Center (GBC), and major food industry players, highlighting strong institutional support for food upcycling initiatives.

“We are thrilled by the enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by all attendees. The overwhelming support and engagement at this seminar underscore the growing demand for sustainable food solutions in Indonesia,” said Alexander Myoung Joon Min, CEO & Co-Founder of RE:HARVEST.

Looking Ahead: Next Steps for Food Upcycling in Indonesia

Following the success of the seminar, RE:HARVEST and its partners are now focused on:

• Scaling up production to meet the rising demand for upcycled food products in Indonesia.

• Strengthening regulatory collaboration with key government agencies to facilitate policy frameworks for upcycled food.

• Expanding consumer engagement initiatives, including awareness campaigns, influencer collaborations, and hands-on cooking workshops.

• Pursuing investment opportunities, with a target to raise USD 2.6 million to further commercialize upcycled food solutions.

"Indonesia has the potential to lead the food upcycling movement in Asia," said Alexander Myoung Joon Min, CEO & Co-Founder of RE:HARVEST. "Through industry collaboration and consumer awareness, we aim to make sustainable food more accessible and widely adopted."