The Hatchery Chicago, a nonprofit incubator dedicated to helping Chicago entrepreneurs build and grow successful businesses, introduced six new and innovative CPG startups at this year’s Summer Fancy Food Show.

The panel selected these six US participants out of the search that focused on companies that share the Mars Food purpose – Better Food Today. A Better World Tomorrow.

Shmulik has a wide range of experience working with supermarkets, culinary publications, consumer packaged goods companies, and food service establishments.

SnackFutures is designed as an independent hub that brings three core tenets of growth under one umbrella to accelerate innovation: invention of new brands and businesses; reinvention of small-scale brands with large-scale potential, and venture investments with start-up entrepreneurs.

Mondelēz International will work with The Hatchery Chicago to offer educational opportunities and mentorship to entrepreneurs active in Chicago’s thriving food and drink scene.  

Chobani selected eight food and beverage startups that span a variety of emerging categories, each bringing a unique value and perspective to the cohort.

The SEEDS of CHANGE™ Accelerator, named after the Mars Food organic seed and food brand, will select six US and four Australian participants in the following areas: start-up food brands, innovative experiential offerings, new business models, and emerging technology.

Located in San Francisco, MISTA will open its physical premises in early 2019. With an extensive 7,000 square feet (650m2) of space, the MISTA Optimization Center (MOC) will provide access to a product development facility, equipment for pasteurization and fermentation, experts providing market and leadership development strategies, as well as input from world renowned culinary and food scientists.

Over the course of the next 16 weeks, the selected startups will participate in a dynamic program composed of learning, funding, infrastructure access, and mentorship in Chicago.

The companies will pitch live on Tuesday, Nov. 27 2018, the first day of the show, at the Industry Insights Theatre. The winners of the three categories will receive their awards following the live pitches.