In honor of Black History Month, the Kroger Co. celebrated a variety of Black-owned and founded businesses. Whether it is a customer favorite or new and exciting brand, the retailer is showcasing must-have products for shoppers to add to their cart on their next shopping trip.

Throughout the 12-week program, emerging brands get support and connections to help them successfully scale. SKU's tailor-made curriculum covers a breadth of key topics, including operations, channel strategy, innovation, supply chain and fundraising.

The event, scheduled for May 23, 2024, will be held at 167 Green Street, bringing together visionary entrepreneurs, savvy investors, and industry leaders at the forefront of technology-driven transformations shaping the food industry's future.

Following an open call for applicants and a rigorous evaluation process, Keto Kind and Superfrau emerged as the winners of the start-up challenge. These exceptional startups have demonstrated outstanding potential in advancing science and driving new solutions in the food and nutrition space.

The Specialty Food Association announced the 2024 Winter Fancy Food Show cohort, which is a mission-driven collective of BIPOC founders and executives, dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and creating equitable opportunities for diverse leaders across the consumer packaged goods ecosystem. 

In its fifth year, the 2023 Real California Milk Excelerator advances innovation in its truest state: open innovation. As one of the largest dairy competitions in the world, the program sought early-stage applicants with high-growth potential that create a 50% cow's milk-based product or working prototype.

Through the partnership, Nestlé provided scholarships for more than 100 women to participate in GWI’s 2023 “mini-MBA” program—an action-packed, online program that teaches future innovators key entrepreneurship and leadership skills.

The San Diego-based business elevates the world of snacks through an assortment of spicy fruit and vegetable offerings, all infused with 100% Mexican spices and no artificial flavors or colors. CHUZA will receive a $100,000 grant and other resources to scale their operations and grow their business.

The company is designed to foster companies and products, from inception to launch, with breakthrough ideas and education that will give rise to success in the broader marketplace.

Over the past 15 years, Latinos have created companies faster than any other demographic in the US. However, Latino business owners still face several challenges that make it difficult to find success at the most critical time of their journey, including lack of access to capital, and struggles with securing corporate and government contracts.