Albertsons hosting 2nd annual Innovation Launchpad competition
Albertsons is searching for emerging brands representing the food, beverage and pet products spaces.
To do this, the company announced the launch of its 2nd annual Albertsons Innovation Launchpad competition, in which independent specialty and natural food brands between $2 million and $8 million in net retail sales can apply.
Winners selected will be part of the live competition taking place at the Natural Products Expo West in California on March 12, with the awards ceremony to follow on March 13.
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Fifty applicants will be chosen to present their brands for judges, and products should reflect such areas as functional beverage, hydration, low sugar or carb, high protein, global flavors, healthy snacking, healthy prepared meals and premium pet items.
The top three winners will receive prizes valued at more than $300,000 total, including cash and industry services, the company said.
“The inaugural Albertsons Innovation Launchpad competition was such a fun, engaging and lively way for us to connect with new brands, and we had a tremendous response from entrepreneurs hoping to have their products spotlighted,” said Jennifer Saenz, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer at Albertsons. “We are so excited to host this event once again. The competition not only opens doors for these emerging brands, but also gives us the opportunity to discover new, innovative products for our customers.”
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Brands selected in this year’s competition will also be considered for distribution in the company’s banner stores including Albertsons, Safeway, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Acme, Pavilions, Kings Food Markets, Balducci's Food Lovers Market, Market Street and Haggen.