Lucerne-based food startup Lentl launches its first lentil-based product
Lucerne - Lucerne-based food start-up Lentl develops everyday food products made from Swiss organic lentils. With the launch of its first product, the young company highlights sustainable innovation and regional value creation from the Lucerne business location.
Lentl aims to reposition lentils as a versatile and contemporary staple food. The Lucerne-based food start-up develops flavourful lentil-based products that are easy to integrate into everyday life while offering strong nutritional benefits. Since December 2025, Lentl has officially been on the market with its first product: a lentil power spread with sun-dried tomatoes.
The business idea originates from founder Sien van Boven. In her private circle, a homemade lentil spread repeatedly received enthusiastic feedback at apéros and barbecues. Encouraged by this response, she decided to further develop the concept and turn it into a market-ready product. By exploring the properties of lentils in more depth, van Boven identified their considerable potential: rich in protein, fibre and iron, and at the same time one of the most resource-efficient foods from an ecological perspective.
Van Boven grew up in Belgium and has been living in Lucerne for several years. She holds a degree in environmental economics and a master’s degree in financial management. Her professional background includes positions at Triodos Bank in the Netherlands and at Deloitte Switzerland, where she worked as a sustainability consultant. In July 2025, she decided to focus fully on building Lentl as a full-time entrepreneurial venture.
Early validation came in November 2024 when Lentl won the Startup Weekend Zurich. A further milestone followed in July 2025 with the award of the «Zukunftspreis» from Luzerner Kantonalbank in the ecology category, including CHF 40,000 in funding. The award confirmed Lentl’s market potential and reinforced the decision to pursue the venture with full commitment.
Today, the Lentl lentil spread is available online and via collection appointments in Lucerne and Zurich. The product is also sold through selected regional retailers. In the coming months, Lentl plans to expand its product range and strengthen its presence in retail and gastronomy, further contributing to innovation and sustainable growth at the Lucerne business location.
