Articles Tagged with ''food accelerator''

Smearcase, a New York City–based startup, has won the $100,000 Grand Prize at the Real California Milk Excelerator product innovation competition. The brand’s cottage cheese–based ice cream reflects growing interest in protein-forward, functional dairy formats that bridge indulgence and performance nutrition.

Following an intensive three-month accelerator program, Shake Up Cocktails took home the top prize and $100,000 in capital and services. The InvestBev program helps emerging beverage brands sharpen go-to-market strategies and gain investor access.

The US Highbush Blueberry Council awarded $30,000 to two emerging brands at its inaugural Blueberry Boost Accelerator Pitch Competition. Pluff claimed the grand prize for its high-protein mousse dessert, with Bonny earning runner-up honors for its prebiotic fiber powders.

From collagen creamers and carbon-negative ice cream to compostable yogurt cups and A2 ultra-filtered milks, 14 emerging brands have been selected for Real California Milk’s 2025 innovation programs. The cohorts will receive mentorship, funding opportunities and a platform to pitch for up to $100,000 in support.

The 2025 Early Growth cohort consists of 10 innovative brands – selected from more than 1,600 applications – not yet available in Whole Foods Market stores: beituti (Ohio), Corpse Reviver (Colorado), Fable Fish Co. (Colorado), Häppy Candy (New York), Pisqueya (New York), Reprise Health (New York), SEND Bars (Colorado), Saiga Foods (California), Singing Pastures (Maine) and Xinca (Washington).

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 Blueberry Boost Accelerator was launched earlier this year to fuel forward-thinking product innovation and elevate blueberries as a hero ingredient by supporting visionary startups. 

The SKU Spring '25 selected brands are Fairly Nuts, good dirt, Kobi, Niramaya, PetPax Co, pi00a, Rookie's and Saint Rocco's Treats. Pi00a, which makes Neapolitan pizza frozen pizza with an Asian flair, is SKU’s first brand founded by Deaf and CODA entrepreneurs.

Launched in 2022, the initiative fosters mentorship for cohort members with Whole Foods Market experts, provides tailored educational opportunities and gives participants the potential for direct financial support. 

As the winner of the 2024 RCM Excelerator, Petit Pot will receive $100,000 worth of marketing support from the CMAB to continue scaling their dairy-based desserts in California and beyond.