AUSTIN, Texas (Aug. 1, 2022) – Whole Foods Market today announced the first cohort of brand participants in the company’s Local and Emerging Accelerator Program. The program, which advances Whole Foods Market’s core value of seeking win-win partnerships with suppliers, will provide mentorship, education and the potential for financial support to promote business growth. The initial cohort of 10 participants showcases up-and-coming brands from across the U.S. Upon successful completion of the program, including compliance with Whole Foods Market’s Quality Standards for ingredients, cohort members will have the opportunity to become Whole Foods Market suppliers and gain placement on the shelves of their home city’s Whole Foods Market stores.
Whole Foods Market is pleased to introduce the following brands as participants in the program:
“We are delighted to welcome 10 exceptional local producers to the first cohort of our Local and Emerging Accelerator Program,” said Will Betts, Vice President of Local Merchandising at Whole Foods Market. “We look forward to sharing valuable insights into marketing best practices, strategy and channel development to help expand the cohort members’ brands while preparing to introduce their products to Whole Foods Market shoppers. Whole Foods Market has long been committed to supporting small, local and emerging producers, and the Local and Emerging Accelerator Program enhances our ability to strengthen our relationships with local brands and elevate our product selection for communities across the country.”
Members of the initial cohort will participate in a 12-week curriculum taught by Whole Foods Market and other industry experts, undergo a yearlong mentorship with a Whole Foods Market Local Forager and have access to other growth-related supplier benefits. Brand participants who successfully complete the program will be eligible to receive a $25,000 equity investment from a donor-advised fund managed by the Austin Community Foundation, with proceeds benefiting Whole Foods Market’s private operating Foundations.
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