DFI and The Mills Fabrica launch sustainability challenge for beef and dairy sectors

DFI Retail Group has partnered with The Mills Fabrica, a global hub for sustainability innovations in techstyle and agrifood, to launch a challenge for breakthrough ideas aimed at creating a more sustainable future for the beef and dairy industries.

This initiative responds to livestock production, which is a major contributor to climate change due to significant greenhouse gas emissions. It invites innovators worldwide to address one of agriculture's most pressing climate challenges, providing a direct pathway to scale their solutions.

The programme aims to accelerate practical, scalable innovations that can significantly lower emissions from cattle and dairy farming. By connecting innovators with DFI's business network, it bridges the gap between pilot projects and widespread commercial adoption. Through this programme, DFI underscores its commitment to addressing Scope 3 emissions, starting with key commodities, by engaging suppliers to transition toward low-carbon product supply.

The programme seeks breakthrough projects across multiple categories, including improved livestock management, innovative feed ingredients and additives, advanced breeding strategies, cutting-edge monitoring and measurement systems, and novel microbial interventions. Winning solutions must demonstrate the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions without compromising livestock wellness or production outcomes, with emphasis on benefits to farmers and applicability for farmers across different geographies.

This programme addresses a common barrier for climate-tech solutions: the gap between successful pilot projects and widespread commercial adoption. It provides a HK$120,000 grant for the winning solution, business partnership opportunities with DFI Retail Group, and mentorship, networking, and global exposure through The Mills Fabrica and DFI ecosystems.

Applications will be accepted until 8 March 2026. DFI will shortlist up to 15 solutions for review, with five finalists invited to pitch at an event in Hong Kong in June 2026. The Mills Fabrica will leverage its global network of universities, research institutes, venture capitalists, incubators, and accelerators to identify promising innovations.

Scott Price, group chief executive, DFI Retail Group, said: “In addressing Scope 3 emissions, we are prioritising four key commodities—rice, beef, dairy, and coffee. In the beef and dairy categories, our collaboration with The Mills Fabrica reflects our commitment to fostering cross-sector innovation and accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies to drive decarbonisation efforts.”

“This partnership is not just about making progress; it is about creating transformative long-term benefits for the environment, communities, and the customers we serve,” he added. 

Vanessa Cheung, group managing director of Nan Fung Group and founder of The Mills, said: "This initiative with DFI is built on a shared vision: to move beyond simply identifying problems to actively building solutions. For over seven years, we have supported dozens of clean tech developments emerging globally, such as innovative animal feed, alternative proteins, and smart farming practices. Our unique expertise can perfectly support DFI in its ambitions. 

“Through the programme, we will leverage our global network to scout promising innovators, while DFI provides a crucial real-world pathway to scale impact in Asia's vast supply chains,” she added. 

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to DFI for more information. 

Don’t miss: DFI Retail and Toumi Foods bring low-carbon rice to HK and Macau

Back in September, DFI and Thai rice exporter Toumi partnered up to produce and deliver 1,000 metric tons of low-carbon rice to the Hong Kong and Macau markets in 2026.

The five-year partnership aims to make sustainable, affordable products a reality for DFI Retail Group’s customers while creating a positive impact on the Thai farming community. It also highlights DFI's commitment to enabling customers to make more sustainable choices, while driving meaningful change for both people and the planet.

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