Agribusiness small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), food processors and product innovators have been invited to apply for the Agribusiness Product Innovation Support 2026, a programme designed to help businesses develop new products and improve existing ones using dairy, cocoa and their by-products.

The initiative is delivered through the Value Chain for Agribusiness, Climate and Employment (VACE) Project, implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The project was commissioned by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and co-funded by the European Union.

Successful applicants will receive technical assistance, business development support and opportunities to showcase their products at market exhibitions. The application deadline is October 27, 2026.

The programme seeks to increase local processing and value addition by helping agribusinesses convert agricultural raw materials and by-products into marketable products. It is also intended to help participating businesses improve product quality, reach more customers and expand their operations.

Eligible product categories include dairy and cocoa processing, food and beverages, bakery and pastry, cosmetics, health and wellness products, nutraceuticals and other value-added industries that use dairy, cocoa or their by-products.

Applicants must have experience in dairy or cocoa processing, food production or a related industry. They must also demonstrate a willingness to develop and launch at least one new product using dairy, cocoa or their by-products.

Businesses with existing products seeking improvements, as well as those with plans to develop new products, are eligible to apply. Applicants must operate legally recognised businesses with valid registration and permits or provide evidence that their registration is underway.

Other requirements include having at least one existing marketing channel, such as social media, direct orders, retail outlets or supermarkets. Applicants must also be willing to share their product recipes, participate in project monitoring and evaluation, and demonstrate a commitment to innovation, improved production and market expansion.

Under the programme, selected businesses will receive technical support to develop, refine and launch products made from dairy, cocoa or their by-products. Business development assistance will also be provided to strengthen their products and improve overall business performance.

Participating enterprises will have opportunities to exhibit their products, introduce them to potential buyers and reach new customers. Selected businesses may also collaborate with the project on product development, monitoring and evaluation activities.

Businesses can propose innovations across food and beverage production, bakery and pastry, dairy and cocoa processing, cosmetics and personal care, health and wellness, nutraceuticals and other related value-added sectors.

Proposals should explain the product concept, identify the raw materials to be used and outline how the proposed innovation could be developed for the market.

Interested applicants are advised to review the VACE Product Innovation Concept Note for additional guidance before preparing and submitting their proposals by email.

Applications should be sent to flora.asibe\@giz.de, using Agribusiness Product Innovation Support 2026 as the email subject.

The published opportunity outlines technical assistance, business development and market exhibition opportunities but does not specify a cash grant amount. Applicants should therefore not assume that direct cash funding is included in the support package.

The programme is open to agribusiness SMEs, food processors and product innovators working with dairy, cocoa and their by-products. Applications close on October 27, 2026.