SKU, a consumer product accelerator, announced the eight emerging brands selected for its Fall ’25 Track.

From crave-worthy candy bars to climate friendly snacks to premium pet gear, the Fall ’25 Track is packed with unique products. 

Over the next three months, the founders will be getting a “PhD in CPG” through a curriculum led by top industry experts. Each brand will be matched with a hand-picked mentor team of top CPG leaders, founders, and investors who all are dedicated to help them successfully scale their business.

The track culminates in the Nov. 18 Showcase Pitch event in Austin, Texas.

The eight brands in the Fall ‘25 Track are:

- 18 Chestnuts Soups: Founded by Ilona Kosoff, 18 Chestnuts was founded by Ilona after her personal healing journey led her to discover the power of food as medicine, following years of debilitating digestive issues and conventional treatments that failed. Inspired by her studies at Cornell University and a deep respect for nature, the brand now offers seasonal, plant-based, small-batch soups that combine rich flavor with optimal nutrition. 

- cMOSS Beauty: Founded by Laurie Larkey and Stephanie Lau, cMOSS Beauty® is derived from ethically harvested Irish Sea Moss (Chondrus Crispus) and combines the natural power of the sea with the advancements of science and technology to deliver clean, transformative skincare. 

- DOGISTRY: Founded by Lauren Ephrat, DOGISTRY is a luxury pet accessories brand that fuses sophisticated design with functional innovation. DOGISTRY has earned national recognition for its award-winning harnesses, patent-pending City Leash, and Fi-compatible collar bands, all designed to elevate the dog-walking experience. 

- FocusFuel: Founded by Daniel Herz, John Senn, and Brandon Herwig, FocusFuel is a clean caffeine gummy designed for high performers, go-getters, and everyday hustlers who want energy without the crash or the can. With better ingredients, better taste, and better convenience, we’re redefining how caffeine fits into your daily routine.

- Lotza: Founded by Laura Markewicz, Lotza is a classic party punch, but better.
A sparkling blend of juicy fruits and vibrant botanicals with a feel-good functional twist—mood-boosting adaptogens for now, replenishing vitamins and electrolytes for next-day. 

- Thanks Danks: Founded by husband and wife Garret and Jordan Danks. At Thanks Danks, it’s what we don’t use that sets us apart. With zero sugar and the highest protein count on the market, we are committed to fueling better-for-you health enthusiasts with a clean meat snack made from simple ingredients rather than fillers. 

- Ulu Foods: Founded by Courtney Mills, Ulu Foods makes grain-free, climate-positive snacks using breadfruit. By transforming this nutrient-dense fruit into delicious alternatives, Ulu Foods is redefining healthy snacking while supporting more sustainable food systems. 

- Wild Monkey Bar: Founded by husband and wife John and Brooke Campbell, Wild Monkey Bar is a better for you multilayered candy bar with a toasted seed and nut granola base, creamy cashew butter center, and rich dark chocolate shell topped with flaky salt. Born in Boulder, Colorado after a backcountry climb, we set out to create the bar we couldn’t find — delicious, energizing, and truly clean.

“These founders are breaking new ground in flavor, functionality, design, and sustainability, and we’re excited to see their visions accelerate over the next 12 weeks,” says SKU executive director, Buff Greebe.

SKU’s alumni network includes brands such as Siete Foods, EPIC Provisions, A Pup Above, wildwonder, Verb Hair Care and DUDE Wipes. Earlier this year, Siete was acquired by PepsiCo for $1.2 billion — the largest liquidity event for any SKU brand. When Siete participated in SKU’s fourth cohort, it was called Must Be Nutty and was selling gluten-free tortillas in plastic baggies to a local Austin food co-op. Also, this year, DUDE Wipe announced a strategic growth investment from TSG Consumer Partners, a leading private equity firm focused exclusively on the consumer sector.