AUSTIN, TX — Whole Foods Market announced its newest additions for two tracks of the Local and Emerging Accelerator Program (LEAP): Early Growth and On the Verge.
The LEAP initiative began in 2022 with the inaugural Early Growth cohort and continues to advance the core value of seeking partnerships with suppliers with access to educational programming and one-on-one mentorship for local brands. Participants are eligible to receive a $25,000 equity investment from a donor-advised fund by the Austin Community Foundation, with proceeds benefitting Whole Foods Market’s private operating foundations.
The Early Growth cohort consists of 10 innovative food brands that are not yet sold on the grocer’s shelves. After the end of the 12-week curriculum is complete, each supplier’s products will be considered for placement on shelves of Whole Foods stores in their home city or region. Ten brands were chosen from more than 1,000 applicants to join the 2023 Early Growth cohort. They include Gringuita Cookies, Jaju Pierogi and La Rossi Pizza, among others.
As part of the 2023 program, Whole Foods Market initiated a second cohort, LEAP: On the Verge to expand the opportunity to current local and emerging Whole Foods Market suppliers. These suppliers are currently sold in select stores, demonstrate potential growth and are poised for success. On the Verge brands are considered to be innovative in trends, flavors, community engagement or sustainability. They also demonstrate mission and values aligning with Whole Foods Market.
Nominated by Whole Foods Market Merchants and Foragers, On the Verge participants include The Pizza Cupcake, Nana Joes Granola and more.
“We are thrilled to welcome ten exceptional local producers from all over the country into our second LEAP: Early Growth cohort,” said Alyssa Vescio, senior VP of merchandising for Whole Foods Market. “On top of that, we’ve expanded LEAP to support our existing supplier community through the On the Verge track, which will help brands explore the next stage of their growth potential, providing mentorship from both Whole Foods Market team members, as well as industry peers and experts. LEAP has been one of the most rewarding ways to support the local and emerging brands that bring incredible products and innovation not only to Whole Foods Market stores, but to our broader communities. These are truly the brands to watch!”
