Kraft Heinz Springboard announces participants of first incubator class

US-based food processing company Kraft Heinz has announced the names of five brands that will be part of the first Springboard Incubator Class.

In March this year, Kraft Heinz launched a platform called Springboard to develop and accelerate growth of disruptive brands within the food and beverage sector.

Springboard Brands general manager Sergio Eleuterio said: “Hundreds of applications were carefully reviewed to select authentic propositions and inspired founders within one of the four pillars shaping the future of food: natural & organic, specialty & craft, health & performance, and experiential brands.

“We are excited to kick off our programme with a group of great founders, amazing and purposeful products, that we wholeheartedly believe will succeed in the marketplace.”

The disruptive brands that will be part of first Springboard Incubator Class are Ayoba-Yo, Kumana, Cleveland Kraut, Poppilu and Quevos.

Ayoba-Yo provides an alternative to traditional beef jerky and meat sticks, called Biltong & Droewors. Cleveland Kraut offers fermented foods.

Los Angeles-based Kumana produces Venezuelan-inspired Avocado Sauce; Chicago-based Poppilu is an antioxidant lemonade brand; and Quevos produces salty and crunchy egg-white chips that are low in carbohydrates and fat, and packed with protein.

The Springboard Incubator Class is a 16-week course, where these start-ups will take part in a dynamic programme composed of learning, funding, infrastructure access, and mentorship in Chicago, Illinois.