Mondelēz selects 9 start-ups for SnackFutures’ CoLab engagement program

Nine US-based start-ups selected to join the new program focused on accelerating growth in well-being snacking

SnackFutures, the Mondelēz International, Inc. innovation and venture hub, has announced the nine start-ups selected for the inaugural class of the CoLab start-up engagement program.

Each of the well-being snack brands will participate in a 12-week program designed to help them accelerate their growth. Participants will also receive a $20,000 grant.

SnackFutures will provide participating start-ups with tools, technologies and access to networks and industry expertise, while also gaining insights, capabilities and prospective investment opportunities.

It’s also yet another demonstration of SnackFutures’ mission to create a snacking world that is good for people, kind to the planet and deliciously fun by bringing “big and small” together.

The application and interview process resulted in a diverse group of snack brands with different formats, well-being propositions, revenue and distribution footprint.

The 2021 CoLab class participants are:

• Better Bites Bakery: An allergen-free bakery line founded by Leah Lopez
• Chasin’ Dreams Farm: A popped sorghum snack founded by Sydney Chasin to bring more options and flavours to gluten-free snacking
• Elite Sweets: A Keto donut brand run by founders Amir and Amin Bahari
• LOVE, CORN: A crunchy corn brand made with simple, non-GMO ingredients
• Numa: It was created by “Numa” duo, Jane Xie and Joyce Zhu, to honor heritage through healthier versions of their favorite childhood candies from Asia.
• NuSkool: A low-sugar snacking platform co-founded by Joe Christensen and Kevin Healy.
• Snacklins: Snacklins are plant-based crisps are like a vegan take on pork rinds.
• Sourse: Jenne Moore and Andrew Remlinger came up with vitamin-infused candy, starting with dark chocolate.
• 12 Tides: A nutrient-dense, ocean-friendly snack made from kelp sourced from regenerative ocean farms.

The CoLab program will begin in June with initial programming taking place virtually.