Kraft Heinz has launched a new platform, called Springboard, which seeks to partner with and incubate fast-growing, disruptive brands.
The platform is dedicated to nurturing, scaling, and accelerating growth of disruptive US brands within the food and beverage space.
The Springboard platform is seeking opportunities to develop brands with authentic propositions and inspired founders 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 Brands general manager Sergio Eleuterio said: “We are committed to support and partner with teams that will impact the future of our industry.
“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.”
Springboard is also launching an incubator program, focused on nurturing food and beverage startups at a pre-valuation stage in a dynamic 16-week sprint in Chicago.
Starting today through April 5, the Springboard will accept applications for first-to-market, disruptive food and beverage startups.
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, state-of-the-art pilot plants and commercial kitchens at Kraft Heinz Innovation Center in Glenview, IL.
Each participant will have the opportunity to learn from The Kraft Heinz Company’s world-class management practices, global operating scale, and extensive food safety and quality capabilities.
