Albertsons Companies Hosts 3rd Annual Competition for Emerging and Innovative Food, Beverage and Pet Products

Rhea-AI Summary

Albertsons Companies (NYSE: ACI) has launched its 3rd Annual Innovation Launchpad competition, seeking emerging brands in food, beverage, and pet products. The competition targets independent food brands with $3-10 million in net retail sales. Fifty selected applicants will present to judges at Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim on March 4.

The competition focuses on categories including functional beverages, hydration, sober-curious beverages, low sugar/carb options, protein solutions, global flavors, healthy meal solutions, and premium pet items. Top three winners will receive prizes valued at over $300,000 total and potential distribution in Albertsons' banner stores.

Last year's competition attracted over 700 applicants, with WunderEggs, Evergreen, and Blue Zones Kitchen emerging as winners. Notably, WunderEggs, a plant-based egg alternative, is now available in 1,600 Albertsons stores. Applications are open through January 19.

Positive

• Competition provides opportunity to discover and add innovative products to store shelves
• Previous winner WunderEggs successfully gained distribution in 1,600 stores
• Strong interest demonstrated by 700+ applications in previous year

Negative

• None.

Grocer now accepting applications; top winners will receive prizes valued at more than $300,000 total

BOISE, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Albertsons Companies (NYSE: ACI) today launched its 3^rd Annual Albertsons Companies Innovation Launchpad competition in search of emerging and innovative brands representing food, beverage and pet products. Independent food brands between $3 million and $10 million in net retail sales are encouraged to apply for the opportunity to compete live at the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California, on March 4.

As part of the competition, 50 applicants will be chosen to present their brands to a panel of judges. The products should reflect areas such as functional beverage, hydration, sober-curious beverages, low sugar or carb, protein solutions, global flavors, healthy meal solutions and premium pet items. The top three winners will receive prizes valued at more than $300,000 total, including cash and industry services. The winners will also be considered for distribution in Albertsons Cos. banner stores including Albertsons, Safeway, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, ACME, Pavilions, Kings Food Markets, Balducci's Food Lovers Market, Market Street and Haggen.

“The Albertsons Innovation Launchpad is an exciting platform that brings new and emerging brands closer to our customers,” said Omer Gajial, EVP of Merchandising and Chief Digital Officer at Albertsons Cos. “Since the competition began in 2022, we have received an overwhelming response from entrepreneurs eager to showcase their products. We are thrilled to host this competition again as it not only creates opportunities for emerging brands but also allows us to discover new and innovative products to delight our customers.”

Last year, the competition generated more than 700 applicants. The three grand prize winners were WunderEggs, Evergreen and Blue Zones Kitchen, receiving prizes valued at more than $300,000 total, including cash and industry services. In addition, WunderEggs, a plant-based egg alternative, is now available at 1,600 Albertsons Cos. stores including Safeway, Albertsons, ACME, Shaw’s and Vons.

Applications for the Albertsons Innovation Launchpad are being accepted now through Jan. 19. For more information on the competition or to apply, please click here.

About Albertsons Companies

Albertsons Companies is a leading food and drug retailer in the United States. As of September 7, 2024, the Company operated 2,267 retail food and drug stores with 1,726 pharmacies, 405 associated fuel centers, 22 dedicated distribution centers and 19 manufacturing facilities. The Company operates stores across 34 states and the District of Columbia under more than 20 well known banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, ACME, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, Carrs, Kings Food Markets and Balducci's Food Lovers Market. The Company is committed to helping people across the country live better lives by making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood. In 2023, along with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, the Company contributed more than $350 million in food and financial support, including more than $35 million through our Nourishing Neighbors Program to ensure those living in our communities and those impacted by disasters have enough to eat.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250106868785/en/

media@albertsons.com

Source: Albertsons Companies, Inc.

FAQ

What is the prize value for Albertsons' (ACI) 2024 Innovation Launchpad competition?

The top three winners will receive prizes valued at more than $300,000 total, including cash and industry services.

What are the eligibility requirements for Albertsons' (ACI) 2024 Innovation Launchpad?

Independent food brands with net retail sales between $3 million and $10 million are eligible to apply.

When is the application deadline for Albertsons' (ACI) 2024 Innovation Launchpad?

Applications are being accepted through January 19, 2024.

How many applicants will be selected to present at Albertsons' (ACI) 2024 Innovation Launchpad?

50 applicants will be chosen to present their brands to a panel of judges at Natural Products Expo West.

How successful was Albertsons' (ACI) previous Innovation Launchpad competition?

The previous competition received over 700 applications, with WunderEggs, Evergreen, and Blue Zones Kitchen winning prizes worth over $300,000 total.