Microbial nitrogen provider Pivot Bio, Berkeley, Calif., reported on Oct. 14 the launch of Connect, a new line of snack foods grown by farmers using Pivot Bio’s microbial nitrogen instead of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. The first Connect product is a gourmet yellow butterfly popcorn, 100 percent whole grain, non-GMO, unpopped popcorn kernels grown on a family farm in Nebraska. Connect Snacks are available to purchase at connectsnacks.com and Amazon. Pivot Bio anticipates launching a microwave popcorn product line next year.
Pivot Bio said its research found consumers are more inclined to purchase food that contributes to cleaner air and water when compared to general sustainability claims.
“Pivot Bio is committed to delivering better nitrogen to farmers that [is] better for them and our planet,” said Karsten Temme, CEO and Co-Founder of Pivot Bio. “We have a strong business with our first-of-its-kind microbial nitrogen. Launching a CPG brand is a natural next step for us. We want to connect consumers with farmers to start a conversation about the environmental benefits of crops that are powered by clean nitrogen from Pivot Bio microbes.”
Pivot Bio said about half of applied synthetic nitrogen never reaches the crop it was intended to fertilize. Instead, it contributes to five percent of greenhouse gas emissions and adversely impacts water quality.