HORSHAM, PA — Grupo Bimbo is now accepting registrations for the second edition of Bimbo Open Door, an open innovation platform for food businesses.
This cycle will focus on innovative startups and scaleups in the cookie and energy bar sector, participants can register from Sept. 20 – Oct. 6.
To participate in this program, entrepreneurs must demonstrate that they have validated products, operations or an expansion plan in the Americas, from Canada to Argentina, and/or throughout Europe. Annual sales for all parties must be higher than $250,000, and participants must be available to be part of the program in Mexico for 12 weeks.
“Through Bimbo Open Door, we seek to innovate and scale initiatives that allow us to continue surprising our consumers with products that satisfy their consumption habits,” said Raul Obregon, chief transformation officer for Grupo Bimbo. “We are excited to connect with innovative entrepreneurs who, like us, are looking to nourish a better world.”
Proposals will be evaluated on their ability to promote products with simple recipes, nutritional diversity, and/or plant-based ingredients alongside a business model supporting the environment and the communities with which it is linked. Startups and scaleups that fall in line with the baking company’s sustainability strategy will be prioritized.
“Through Bimbo Open Door, we seek to innovate and scale initiatives that allow us to continue surprising our consumers with products that satisfy their consumption habits. We are excited to connect with innovative entrepreneurs who, like us, are looking to nourish a better world.”— Raul Obregon | chief transformation officer | Grupo Bimbo.
Parties can select one of three verticals to apply for during this second edition:
- Cookies and/or bars for children: Products that offer nutritious and delicious options for the youngest consumers using innovative ingredients and technologies.
- Innovative snacks: Cookies and/or bars with natural and/or unconventional ingredients, including avant-garde processes that support flavor preservation.
- Artisanal products and/or traditional recipes: Cookies and/or bars that use new culinary techniques and creative presentations to preserve a familiar or “homemade” essence in every bite.
“Bimbo Open Door was born with the dream of transmitting the experiences and knowledge of Grupo Bimbo to companies with potential for expansion through differentiated value proposals,” said Constantino Matouk, global VP of Bimbo Ventures. “In the first edition, which was a success, we received more than 250 requests from startups and scaleups from more than 20 countries. Our focus for this new cycle is to connect with more entrepreneurs to share knowledge and seek opportunities for future collaboration.”
Finalists will advance to the last stage of the program, Behind the Door, where Grupo Bimbo will monitor each project and define opportunities for future collaborations.
For more information visit Bimbo Open Door’s website.
