Kraft Heinz launches incubator platform, seeks applicants
The Kraft Heinz Co. has announced the launch of Springboard, a platform dedicated to nurturing, scaling, and accelerating growth of disruptive U.S. brands within the food and beverage space.
The Kraft Heinz Co. has announced the launch of Springboard, a platform dedicated to nurturing, scaling, and accelerating growth of disruptive U.S. brands within the food and beverage space. The Springboard platform seeks opportunities to develop brands within one of four pillars that are shaping the future of the food and beverage space: Natural & Organic, Specialty & Craft, Health & Performance, and Experiential brands. Founders will be encouraged to continue leading their businesses with support and expertise from Kraft Heinz in go-to-market capabilities, research and development, and consumer insights.
Springboard is also launching an incubator program, focused on nurturing food and beverage start-ups at a pre-valuation stage in a dynamic 16-week sprint in Chicago. Applications will be accepted through April 5 for first-to-market, disruptive food and beverage start-ups. Companies selected to participate in the Springboard Incubator Program will have the opportunity to receive financial support to build brands and guidance to raise additional funding. The Incubator’s infrastructure will provide program participants with a collaborative work environment and invaluable business resources including dedicated workspace, pilot plants, and commercial kitchens at Kraft Heinz Innovation Center in Glenview, Ill. Each participant will have the opportunity to learn from the company’s management practices, global operating scale, and extensive food safety and quality capabilities.
“We are committed to support and partner with teams that will impact the future of our industry,” said Sergio Eleuterio, general manager, Springboard. “We are actively searching for emergent, authentic brands that can expand into new categories, and are looking to build a network of founders to help shape the future of foods and beverages.”