Impact Sips 2026 - Co-create the next generation of functional beverages with Hijos de Rivera

Impact Sips is an Open Innovation programme by Corporación Hijos de Rivera and EIT Food connecting high-potential startups with real beverage innovation opportunities. 

We are looking for science-backed functional ingredients and innovative beverage formats that can shape the future of health and wellness beverages.

Why Join Impact Sips?

• Opportunity to explore pilot collaboration with Hijos de Rivera
• Direct access to Innovation, R&D and business decision makers
• In-person Demo Day at Hijos de Rivera headquarters in Spain
• Exposure to EIT Food’s European innovation ecosystem
• Opportunity to validate your solution within a leading beverage company

Hijos de Rivera aims to select at least one startup for a pilot collaboration with an estimated project value starting from €50,000.

What Are We Looking For?

We are seeking startups developing:

• Science-backed functional ingredients
• Beverage enabling technologies and formats
• Soluble delivery systems
• Smart caps and functional consumption formats
• Wellness beverage innovations with clear market potential

Focus Areas

Healthy Ageing 

Ingredients supporting longevity, skin health and healthy ageing.

Mental Wellbeing 

Solutions supporting mood, focus,  stress management and emotional wellbeing.

Metabolic Health

Ingredients supporting satiety, metabolic wellness and digestive health, including solutions complementary to GLP-1.

Who Can Apply?

We are looking for startups with:

• A market validated functional ingredient for drinks or complementary consumption formats
• Strong scientific or technical differentiation
• Sufficient production capacity to support pilot collaboration with Hijos de Rivera.
• Interest in co-developing solutions with Corporación Hijos de Rivera

Selection Process

1. Application Submission
2. Online Pitching Session with Hijos de Rivera Innovation & R&D Teams
3. Finalist Selection
4. In-Person Demo Day in A Coruña, Spain
5. Pilot Collaboration Exploration

Up to 5–6 startups will be selected for the final Demo Day.

Travel expenses for up to two representatives per startup will be covered.

Key Dates

• Call Launch: 10 June 2026
• Application Deadline: 10 July 2026
• Shortlist Announcement: End of July 2026
• Online Pitching Sessions: September 2026
• Finalist Selection: September 2026
• Pitch Preparation: October 2026
• In-Person Demo Day: November 2026
• Pilot Collaboration Execution: 2027

Why Hijos de Rivera?

Corporación Hijos de Rivera is one of Europe’s leading independent beverage companies, internationally recognised for brands such as Estrella Galicia and Cabreiroá.

The company is actively investing in the future of beverage innovation through science-backed ingredients, emerging wellness trends and next-generation beverage formats.

In 2024, Hijos de Rivera became a certified B Corp, reinforcing its commitment to responsible growth and positive impact.

Demo Day Experience

The final Demo Day will take place at Hijos de Rivera headquarters and facilities in A Coruña, Spain.

Finalists will have the opportunity to:

• Present their solutions directly to Hijos de Rivera’s Executive Leadership, Innovation, R&D and business teams
• Connect with EIT Food representatives and innovation stakeholders
• Experience the company’s innovation ecosystem and production facilities
• Explore real collaboration and pilot opportunities
• Showcase their products and technologies in person

Travel expenses for up to two representatives per startup will be covered.

All finalists will also benefit from a Hijos de Rivera premium beverage package.

This is not just about pitching — it is about building real collaboration opportunities and bringing innovation closer to the market.

Ready to Shape the Future of Functional Beverages?

Apply now and turn your technology into real beverage collaboration opportunities with Hijos de Rivera and EIT Food.