Seda Solmaz, the Founder and CEO of Idea Atelier, has made a significant impact in the Food & Beverage (F&B) industry by challenging conventional approaches to innovation. After spending over two decades supporting F&B manufacturers through new product development and strategic innovation, Seda noticed a gap in the market. Most manufacturers were innovating within a box, sticking to the conventional playbook and missing out on bigger, bolder ideas. This realization inspired her to create Idea Atelier, a company dedicated to revolutionizing the F&B industry by empowering manufacturers to lead with creativity and purpose.

For over two decades, Seda Solmaz has been a transformative force in the F&B industry, driving both revenue and profitability growth through innovation with purpose. Her deep curiosity for consumer behavior, coupled with strong global client relationships, fuels her relentless pursuit of bringing novel, sustainable innovations to market. As a champion for Health & Wellness and a passionate advocate for reducing Food Waste, Seda’s work consistently reflects her commitment to a greener future.

Seda’s passion for co-creation and human creativity has been the driving force behind Idea Atelier’s success. Her leadership style, characterized by authenticity, curiosity, and courage, has enabled her to build a strong team and foster a culture of innovation. Seda’s commitment to providing personalized and sophisticated solutions has set Idea Atelier apart in the competitive F&B market.

Founding of Idea Atelier

Idea Atelier was born out of Solmaz’s desire to change the way the Food & Beverage industry approaches innovation. “I have always been an out-of-the-box thinker, passionate about co-creation and fascinated by human creativity. For me, it’s never just about success; it’s about leadership.”

She wanted to empower F&B manufacturers not only to succeed but to lead—by challenging the status quo and creating winning products that resonate deeply with consumers. Even the name “Idea Atelier” was carefully crafted. “Idea” was the easy part, but “Atelier” was chosen with purpose. It reflects sophistication, personalization, and flair. Idea Atelier is not a factory churning out generic solutions; it’s a strategic, creative business where each co-creation workshop is tailored to address unique challenges or opportunities. At Idea Atelier, they don’t just innovate—they revolutionize, all while keeping the process fun, engaging, and human.

Key Principles Guiding Leadership and Decision-Making

As the Founder and CEO, Solmaz’s leadership is guided by three key principles: Authenticity, Curiosity, and Courage. “Authenticity is at the heart of everything I do. I believe in showing up as my true self — bold colors, bright lipsticks, one-of-a-kind shoes, and all. I lead with transparency and honesty, encouraging my team to do the same. When you’re authentic, you build trust, and trust is the foundation of any successful partnership.”

People connect with people, not just brands or products. That’s why she ensures Idea Atelier is a reflection of who they are, not just what they do. Curiosity fuels her passion for innovation. She is endlessly fascinated by consumer behavior, emerging trends, and the ever-evolving F&B landscape. This curiosity keeps her on her toes, always learning, always exploring. It drives her to ask tough questions, dig deeper, and look beyond the obvious. It’s why she spends time on the ground, whether it’s walking through supermarket aisles or making chocolate bean-to-bar, to truly understand the nuances that shape the industry. Courage propels Seda forward.

She has always been a risk-taker, unafraid to challenge the status quo. Seda leads by example, encouraging her team to be bold, to experiment, and to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. She has learned that playing it safe leads to mediocrity, but taking calculated risks opens doors to groundbreaking innovations. These principles—Authenticity, Curiosity, and Courage—guide Seda’s leadership and decision-making, ensuring that Idea Atelier isn’t just about creating winning products but about building meaningful connections and leading with purpose.

Core Mission and Vision of Idea Atelier

Her company is driven by a clear mission to revolutionize the Food and Beverage industry for healthier lives and a more sustainable future. At the core of their vision is the passion to partner with brands to “Innovate with Purpose.” Solmaz and her team are committed to developing products that align with evolving consumer needs and industry trends. By focusing on health, wellness, functionality, and sustainability, they aim to create products that not only meet market demands but also contribute to a better world. Their mission and vision reflect a deep commitment to making a positive impact on the industry and society as a whole.

Staying Innovative and Ahead of the Curve

To ensure that Idea Atelier stays innovative and ahead of the curve, Solmaz employs several strategies. Relentless curiosity and trend spotting are at the heart of their approach. They have an insatiable curiosity for consumer behavior and emerging trends, always on the lookout for what’s coming, not what is there today. This curiosity keeps them inspired and ensures they’re always a step ahead, leading their clients to new opportunities. Strategic partnerships and thought leadership are also crucial.

The company actively collaborates with industry experts, start-ups, and academic institutions to stay at the forefront of industry developments. Seda engages with global thought leaders through speaking engagements and panel discussions. These strategic partnerships allow them to leverage diverse expertise and accelerate the innovation process. They don’t just follow trends; they set them.

Additionally, Idea Atelier adopts a human-centered approach enhanced by AI integration. They innovate with purpose, keeping people at the heart of everything they do. By deeply understanding human emotions, behaviors, and desires, they create products and experiences that truly resonate. They also leverage AI-driven idea generation to fuel their creative process, using AI when human creativity is totally depleted. This blend of human creativity and AI intelligence ensures their ideas are not only innovative but also highly relevant and impactful.

Preparing for Industry Evolution

Solmaz sees the Food & Beverage industry evolving significantly in the next 5-10 years, driven by health and wellness, functionality, and sustainability. At Idea Atelier, they’re not just anticipating these shifts—they’re actively leading these efforts with their clients. Health and wellness are becoming lifestyle choices for consumers, who are increasingly prioritizing their health and seeking products that support overall well-being without compromising on taste or convenience. Idea Atelier is committed to Innovating with Purpose by developing products that align with these evolving needs. Functionality beyond nutrition is another key trend.

“The future of F&B isn’t just about taste; it’s about delivering holistic well-being. There is a growing demand for products that support better sleep, healthier gut, stress relief, and cognitive health.” Idea Atelier is exploring next-gen functional ingredients like adaptogens and nootropics while experimenting with innovative delivery formats. Their goal is to seamlessly blend functionality with great taste and convenience.

Sustainability and purpose-driven consumption are also critical. Sustainability is no longer optional; it’s an expectation. Consumers are more conscious about the impact of their choices. Idea Atelier sees up-cycling as a major growth area, turning food waste into high-value products. They believe in innovation that’s good for consumers, good for business, and good for the planet.

Nurturing a Strong Team Environment

At Idea Atelier, the culture is all about Creativity, Collaboration, and Courage. Seda Solmaz believes that innovation thrives in an environment where people feel inspired, valued, and empowered to take risks. She fosters a culture that encourages open communication, mutual respect, and continuous learning. By creating a supportive and inclusive environment, Seda ensures that her team members feel confident to share their ideas and take bold steps. Regular team-building activities, workshops, and brainstorming sessions help nurture a strong team environment. Seda’s leadership style emphasizes the importance of collaboration and collective success, making Idea Atelier a place where creativity and innovation flourish.

Key Milestones and Future Goals

At Idea Atelier, the journey so far has been nothing short of incredible, and they’re just getting started. They have hit some exciting milestones, but their ambitions are even bigger. One of their proudest milestones has been gaining recognition as a trusted name in F&B innovation. They have won the “Best Growth Innovative Agency 2025 – MEA,” been featured on Dubai Eye 103.8, and made a strong mark in the industry.

Their next big goal is to expand their reach and impact on a global scale. They’re actively working in regions like Southeast Asia and Europe to bring bigger, bolder ideas to life. Additionally, they are launching a podcast committed to Innovating with Purpose—creating products that are good for business, good for people, and good for the planet. The podcast will dive deep into the latest F&B trends, featuring conversations with industry pioneers, change-makers, and innovators who are revolutionizing the industry. It will be a platform to share insights, inspire creativity, and spark bold ideas. Seda Solmaz and her team are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation and making a lasting impact on the F&B industry.

Legacy of Idea Atelier

Through Idea Atelier, Solmaz hopes to build a legacy that redefines innovation in the Food & Beverage industry by not only creating winning products but by Innovating with Purpose. “My goal is to inspire brands to prioritize health, wellness, and sustainability while staying true to their core values. I want to create a legacy of human-centric innovation that places people at the heart of every idea.”

By championing co-creation and breaking down silos, she aims to inspire a new generation of leaders to think boldly and creatively. Most importantly, Seda wants to make innovation fun and meaningful, ensuring that Idea Atelier is remembered as the place that brought joy and purpose back into the creative process — where bold ideas were born, and positive change became the norm.