interviews, book reviews, articles
in the
media
Mary van Hoek-Hendriks is an unconventional yet analytical food innovator, known for her curiosity and non-conformist approach.
This book offers practical and strategic advice to food industry professionals, from start-up entrepreneurs to innovators working in multinational companies.
Mary van Hoek-Hendriks is what you would call an authority in the field of food innovation.
Food Innovator Mary van Hoek-Hendriks is living proof that “you miss every shot you don’t take” and that “every experience counts”.
Successful innovation calls for a fool, a court jester. Someone who walks into closed doors and still gets back up. Mary van Hoek–Hendriks is that person.
overview
FoodPersonality
Mary van Hoek-Hendriks: “I simply cannot walk through a supermarket like a normal person.” Mary van Hoek-Hendriks is an unconventional yet analytical food innovator, known for her curiosity and non-conformist approach. Her career spans product development, innovation, and education, from industry roles to shaping future talent. She is the author of Mastering Food Innovation – Impact by Design and founder of Start a Food Story. Driven by fascination for food and a relentless urge to explore, she connects creativity, strategy, and real-world impact.
April 2026
Dutch
Foodtech 500
As a FoodTech 500 Ambassador, Mary van Hoek-Hendriks shares her perspective on a sector in transition: “Incremental innovation should be profitable from day one, intentionally funding the moonshots that shape the future. Revenue and ambition don’t have to be in tension, but they do need to be managed deliberately. Hype creates momentum, but it’s maturity that ultimately delivers real impact.”
April 2026
English
CHANGE INC.
Mary van Hoek-Hendriks shares key success factors for sustainable food innovations and explains that food innovation goes beyond product development and often requires rethinking entire value chains. Sustainable innovation only succeeds when creativity, market potential and practical execution come together.
January 2026
Dutch
Food Inspiration
Food innovation is the driving force behind renewal in our food system. But what are the do’s and don’ts? Mary van Hoek-Hendriks has been active in the field for 20 years and wrote a book about it. We spoke with her about the importance of perseverance, having a thick skin and why it’s essential to celebrate milestones.
November 2025
Dutch
EVMI
Food innovator Mary van Hoek-Hendriks is living proof that “you miss every shot you don’t take” and that “every experience counts.” As an innovation director, mentor and advisor, she draws on more than 20 years of experience to support other food entrepreneurs and pioneers.
Oktober 2025
Dutch
Food Industry Magazine
Successful innovation calls for a fool — a court jester. Someone who walks into closed doors and still gets back up. Mary van Hoek–Hendriks is that person. Throughout her career, she’s encountered resistance more than once. Fortunately, she brings plenty of perseverance and enthusiasm to the table. In her new book, Mastering Food Innovation, she offers support for the fool — the one brave enough to keep going.
September 2025
English
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