IRI®, a fast-growing global leader in innovative solutions and services for consumer, retail and media companies, announced the launch of the IRI Diversity Advantage Program™ (DAP) to inspire and empower rising minority- and women-owned consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies to achieve positive organizational growth.  

This year's Greenhouse Accelerator program looks outside the box in areas like emerging science and technology that can help PepsiCo stay close to evolving consumer tastes and preferences. Each of the participating companies will receive $20,000 in grant funding and begin a six-month business program designed to accelerate their growth through personalized mentorship

The Specialty Food Association (SFA) announced the winners of the 2021 Leadership Awards. Honoring influential and innovative entrepreneurs who are transforming the specialty food industry, the awards are presented in three categories: Business Leadership, Citizenship, and Vision.

The Small Business Spotlight Awards, introduced in September, honor and celebrate inspiring, unique, and customer-obsessed small businesses selling in Amazon’s stores.

Stacy's is also announcing the launch of its inaugural Stacy's Rise Program, extending the brand's support of female entrepreneurs by awarding another $200,000 to help women nourish their food business ambitions. Together, the two efforts have potential to result in a total of $400,000 committed to support female-founded businesses in 2019.

The partnership is part of the Ingredion for Emerging Business initiative launched to help emerging food and beverage companies turn innovative ideas into on-trend, scalable, food and beverage products.

Now in its 30th year, the award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

Chobani announced plans to open the Chobani Food Incubator, a first-of-its-kind program to invest in and cultivate emerging food entrepreneurs.