:Included marks fifth anniversary, shares impact report

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:Included marks fifth anniversary, shares impact report

9 Jan 2025

Maddie Lambert

Maddie Lambert is a copywriter and editor from Joplin, MO. She graduated from Missouri Southern State University with a Bachelor of Arts in English – literary studies. When she’s not poring over the magazine or lost in the pages of a new novel, you can find Maddie exploring her local bookstores, spending time with her husband, or sharing her latest literary discoveries with fellow book enthusiasts.

BROOKLYN, NY — :Included, the largest collective of founders and CEOs of color in the food and beverage industry, is celebrating its fifth year of empowering entrepreneurs by publishing its first annual Impact Snapshot.

Since its launch in 2020, :Included has experienced significant growth and amplified the voices of its more than 500 members in the CPG segment. The company has delivered over $5 million in direct member value through sponsorships to industry-leading trade shows and access to international media, retail collaborations and industry decision-makers.

“Reaching our fifth anniversary is a huge milestone, and we’re incredibly proud of our organic growth and forward progress,” said Jomaree Pinkard, founding member of :Included. “We’ve delivered transformative support to our members by opening doors often beyond reach for solo entrepreneurs and under-resourced teams, especially those new to the industry. Our members’ personal fulfillment and professional success propel our mission forward and inspire the next generation of resilient founders and legacy brands. We’re just getting started.”

On a mission to advocate for more diverse and inclusive representation in the CPG industry, :Included united BIPOC manufacturers, suppliers, service providers and investors into one entrepreneurial community. With support from allies such as Specialty Food Association (SFA) and New Hope Network, the company has bridged the resource gap for founders of color.

“Our members' personal fulfillment and professional success propel our mission forward and inspire the next generation of resilient founders and legacy brands.” — Jomaree Pinkard | founding member | :Included

In the past five years, :Included has also allocated more than 150 emerging entrepreneurs showcased in Natural Products Expo trade shows, more than 70 at SFA Fancy Food Shows and initiated more than 2,500 brand-to-buyer introductions at trade show exhibitions. Collectively, :Included members have received an array of recognitions, including 22 Naturally Network Regional Pitch Slam winners and finalists, 15 New Hope NEXTY Awards winners and finalists, and 10 SFA sofi awards winners.

“We’re reframing the conversation around diversity and equity to focus on its power as a change catalyst for innovation, which generates industry-wide benefits,” said Victoria Ho, founding member of :Included. “Our community inherently reflects our nation’s rich and increasingly diverse fabric; but the products we bring to market also resonate with consumers on the level of shared values, wellness rituals and lifestyle choices. As CPG entrepreneurs, we recognize the importance of compounding connections to scale impact. We’re grateful to collaborate with leaders and allies who champion a culture of belonging. Together, we’re not just bringing exceptional founders of color to the table; we’re building a bigger table.”

:Included has program expansion plans in the works to offer more comprehensive member support. The company will maintain its efforts to prepare and promote BIPOC founders, optimizing supply chains and product development, and strategizing distribution funding.

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