USA – Mondelez International has partnered with the American food business incubator, The Hatchery Chicago to enhance innovations in snacking based on the changing consumer tastes and preferences.
The partnership is part of the SnackFutures, the company’s innovation and venture hub aimed at unlocking snacking growth opportunities around the world.
Mondelez and the SnackFutures team will leverage on The Hatchery’s expertise in growing entrepreneurs in the food and beverage space.
They will be able to connect with the local food and beverage start-up community and work together to accelerate and scale innovation.
Mondelēz International will work with The Hatchery Chicago to offer educational opportunities and mentorship to entrepreneurs active in Chicago’s thriving food and drink scene.
“We are truly impressed with the talented start-ups coming out of The Hatchery and are excited to be part of this journey.
As the world’s snacking leader, it is increasingly important for us to collaborate with the best and brightest talent in advancing the future of snacking,” said Tim Cofer, Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer of Mondelēz International.
“With SnackFutures, we want to disrupt the food industry by testing new ideas and scaling what works.
Working with The Hatchery food entrepreneurs will help us push the boundaries of what is possible in snacking as we continue to build our ecosystem of partners while also giving back and offering guidance to new companies.”
The Hatchery is one of the largest food incubation spaces in the U.S and helps local entrepreneurs build and grow successful food and beverage businesses through three major areas of need: access to production space, financing and resources.
It provides job training and placement programs, creating sustainable economic growth and new job opportunities.
“At The Hatchery Chicago, we believe collaboration accelerates innovation and increases the rate of success for companies – big and small,” said Natalie Shmulik, CEO of The Hatchery Chicago.
“Through this partnership with Mondelēz International, we’re creating even more opportunities for our entrepreneurs and community members to access the mentorship and industry expertise that will help them take their business to the next level.”
As part of the continued investments in SnackFutures, Mondelez recently acquired a minority shareholding in US-based functional foods brand, Uplift Food.
SnackFutures seeks to collaborate in three key strategic areas: well-being snacks, premium snacks, digital platforms and capabilities.
