PURCHASE, NY — PepsiCo announced the eight Hispanic-owned startups chosen to participate in this year’s Greenhouse Accelerator Program: Juntos Crecemos (Together We Grow) Edition.
After a successful inaugural year, this edition of the five-month mentorship program is back with a focus on elevating high-potential consumer packaged food, beverage brands and products inspired by Hispanic flavors and cultures.
“As we embark on the second year of the Greenhouse Accelerator Program: Juntos Crecemos Edition, we’re thrilled to witness the continued evolution of emerging businesses in the food and beverage industry,” said Esperanza Teasdale, VP and GM of PepsiCo Beverages North America’s Hispanic Business Unit. “Building on the success of last year’s program, where the businesses expanded distribution and accelerated revenue in just six months, we’re committed to nurturing these eight new ventures toward sustainable success.”
Finalists were assessed for community engagement, potential to introduce innovative products to the food and beverage industry, and demonstrated commitment to quality and sustainability. Each startup selected receives a mentor to assist them during the program and $20,000 to develop innovative business solutions.
“We are proud to continue our support for emerging businesses and to actively contribute to the startup ecosystem,” said Daniel Grubbs, global chief venturing and investment officer and head of PepsiCo Ventures Group. “By leveraging the deep expertise within our organization, including the invaluable guidance from our PepsiCo mentors, we are helping to identify and foster the success of these great entrepreneurs and companies.”
“As we embark on the second year of the Greenhouse Accelerator Program: Juntos Crecemos Edition, we're thrilled to witness the continued evolution of emerging businesses in the food and beverage industry.”— Esperanza Teasdale | VP and GM, North America’s Hispanic Business Unit | PepsiCo Beverages
Of the eight emerging businesses chosen to participate in this year’s cohort, three are members of the baking industry:
Nemi – The Chicago-based snack company offers five flavor varieties of crunchy sticks made with nopales, seeds and mercado-fresh spices.
Paktli – The Cincinnati-based company’s artisan snacks are made with puffed amaranth, quinoa, millet, chocolates, dried fruits and nuts.
Toast-It – Offering gluten-free Latin American staples, the Miami-based company uses traditional ingredients like yuca root and baked plantains in its products such as arepas and pandebono bites.
At the conclusion of the program, the finalists will present their progress and how they’ve implemented the learnings from their mentors to accelerate the growth of their business. The winner, chosen by an expert selection committee, will receive an additional $100,000 for their business.
Last year’s program cohort included Tia Lupita Foods, a Tiburon, CA-based brand that produces grain-free cactus tortilla chips and cactus tortillas.
