In a star-studded gathering of more than 100 global food heroes and industry leaders, KM ZERO Food Innovation Hub honored three trailblazers shaping the future of food during the inaugural Food Changemakers Awards held at Tramo in Madrid.

Ferran Adrià, Julia Collins, and Stephen Ritz were recognized for their outstanding contributions to food innovation, sustainability, and social impact.

The ceremony marked the culmination of Europe’s largest food think tank session, focused on transforming food systems through collaboration and innovation.

Stephen Ritz, a passionate educator and founder of Green Bronx Machine, received the 2025 Social Impact Award for his tireless work empowering underserved youth through urban agriculture and nutrition education.

“From our humble corner of the globe, we are determined to change the world, one child at a time, one classroom at a time, one school & one community at a time,” said Ritz.

“I am humbled that Action Against Hunger recognizes our impact locally and globally… this recognition serves to remind all of us that the greatest natural resource in the world is the untapped potential residing in low-status and marginalized communities — we are the heroes we are waiting for — and we are and will continue to be the change we wish to see and be in the world. Children first always!”

The award was presented by Manuel Sánchez-Montero, General Director of Acción Contra el Hambre, who praised Ritz’s work:

“At Acción Contra el Hambre, we are proud to recognize the work of people like Stephen Ritz… change begins with an idea, but multiplies when we work together.”

Julia Collins, a California-based climate-tech entrepreneur, earned the Climate Impact Award for her pioneering leadership in food system decarbonization through her company Planet FWD.

The platform provides tools for environmental impact assessment and promotes a regenerative future for the food and hospitality industries.

“It’s a tremendous honor to receive the KM ZERO Food Changemakers Award for Climate Impact,” Collins said.
“This recognition celebrates our work at Planet FWD to decarbonize the food industry and move toward a more regenerative future. Thank you to KM ZERO for amplifying this mission and connecting us with a European community committed to transforming the food system.”

Ferran Adrià, the iconic Spanish chef and president of the el Bulli Foundation, was also honored for his academic contributions and mentorship at the Madrid Culinary Campus (MACC), which he co-leads with fellow renowned chef Andoni Luis Aduriz.

Beatriz Jacoste, CEO of KM ZERO Food Innovation Hub, reflected on the significance of the awards:

“The Food Changemakers Awards recognize the impact of exceptional professionals, brilliant minds whose work and vision bring us closer to a future with good food for everyone. These role models are a cornerstone of our community… We’ve spent seven years creating opportunities among these leaders to accelerate the transformation of the food system.”

Earlier in the day, over 100 global experts and leaders gathered for the first 2025 session of The Food Changemakers think tank, launched by KM ZERO. The group discussed long-term strategies to influence both public policy and private sector practices in agri-food innovation.

Key institutional partners such as IMIDRA, Madrid Emprende, and the Embassy of the Netherlands joined major food brands like Unilever, Vicky Foods, and CAPSA FOOD in supporting the initiative.

Ángel Niño, Madrid’s Councilor for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, underscored the event’s broader relevance:

“In Madrid, we support industries of the future, and there is no doubt that the food industry is one of the most important… Investing in innovation in this area means ensuring efficiency and sustainability in production systems.”