Mondelēz International, owner of big-time brands like Oreo, Triscuits, and Chips Ahoy! (just to name a few), is upping their snacking game with a recent investment in Chicago-based startup incubator The Hatchery. The company says the investment is part of its ongoing efforts to make innovations in the snacking space through SnackFuture, their innovation and venture hub.
Small bites, big business
For many folks (especially younger generations), there’s a near indistinguishable difference between snacktime and mealtime. Nielsen even identified snacktime as a mega trend with some serious staying power.
With mini muffins and snackable produce flying off grocery store shelves, it’s a given that companies like Mondelēz International want to beef up their (already impressive) snack brand portfolio. In one recent presentation, Mondelez International’s CEO Dirk Van de Put said, “We believe that our purpose to empower people to snack right will drive our growth in years to come and will allow us to lead the future of snacking.”
The Hatchery and Mondelēz International, a perfect match
The Hatchery is a haven for innovative, up-and-coming startups and entrepreneurs. It’s not just the massive facilities that draw entrepreneurs to The Hatchery — mentorship and financial backing from big-name partners like Kellogg Co. and PepsiCo are significant benefits as well.
Adding Mondelez International to the list will benefit all stakeholders. “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,” The Hatchery’s CEO Natalie Shmulik says.
The sheer amount of talent housed at The Hatchery — as well as an invaluable opportunity to gain a fresh outlook on snacking — is what drew Mondelēz International to the incubator. “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,” said Tim Cofer, Executive VP and CGO of Mondelēz International.
More on food startup incubators:
- Big Food Investing in Food Startup Incubators
- PepsiCo Aims to Diversify Product Portfolio with Startup Incubator “The Hive”
- Michigan State University’s New Innovation Center Opens Its Doors to Food Industry Innovators
