Chobani selects new food incubator class

Chobani has announced the selection of seven new food start-ups to join the second class of the Chobani Food Incubator. The group is comprised of companies that are disrupting, innovating, and inspiring new food categories in the United States—from innovative products like plant-based ice cream, a low-sugar, low-calorie beer alternative, a healthier frozen fruit pop, as well as fresh and sustainable takes on foods that have been around for centuries, like oats, saffron, and seafood.

With more than 550 applications for seven spots—a 20% increase from last year—Chobani is seeking to partner with small food brands to provide them the resources they need to challenge big food companies, give more people access to natural, affordable food, and create a new food frontier. The second Chobani Food Incubator class will run from September to December 2017, based out of a dedicated space designed for the Incubator at Chobani’s sales and marketing offices in New York City. The seven start-ups are:

1. Chloe’s Fruit: Chloe’s Fruit is a combination of fruit, water, and a touch of organic cane sugar blended to make frozen soft serve fruit. Each Fruit Pop contains 60 calories, and is dairy-, gluten-, and fat-free. In addition, they are vegan, kosher pareve, Non-GMO Project Verified, and free from all eight major allergens.
2. Farmer Willie’s: Farmer Willie’s makes craft ginger beer that is gluten-free, has 75% less sugar, and has fewer calories than a glass of wine. By fermenting cold pressed ginger, lemon, and cane sugar with champagne yeast, they’ve created a fresh, dry 4.5% alcohol/volume ginger beer that won best in show at the New York International Beer Festival this year.
3. Grainful: Grainful is on a mission to bring globally-inspired, bold tasting foods to all consumers at an affordable price and in an honest way, with grains as the foundation. Grainful makes healthier meal solutions for the busy consumer centered on high-protein grains and clean ingredients.
4. LoveTheWild: LoveTheWild is on a mission to change the way Americans view seafood. The company is disrupting the frozen seafood case through its three-step culinary experience: sustainable frozen fish paired with handcrafted sauce cubes and parchment paper.
5. Pique Tea Crystals: Pique Tea Crystals is the world’s first instant plant fuel. Made purely from organic “super plants,” free of sugar, additives, and preservatives, the company is helping consumers reap the benefits of tea by making it easier for them to consume sufficient quantities of active ingredients that are not present in tea bags or bottled teas.
6. Rumi Spice: Rumi Spice works directly with Afghan farmers to import the highest quality saffron and saffron products to restaurants and retail stores across the United States. Rumi has hired 384 Afghan women, started up three processing facilities, and has more than 90 farmers in its network.
7. Snow Monkey: Snow Monkey has reinvented ice cream as a nutritious and delicious treat crafted from all-natural, plant-based ingredients, allowing Americans to enjoy their favorite dessert for breakfast, fuel, or indulgence. The company’s Superfood Ice Treats are vegan, paleo, contain 21 g of protein per pint, and free from all eight major allergens.

Press release