Mondelēz reveals plans for third intake of its CoLab Snackfutures scheme
Following two initial years of successful intakes, Mondelēz International has opened applications for its third edition of its CoLab 2023 initiative focused on supporting dynamic start-up businesses, writes Neill Barston.
As the company noted, the innovation and venture hub scheme, targeting its US market, was devised to bring together ‘big and small’ to drive growth within the industry, with present global market uncertainties meaning new enterprises are in need of direct support more than ever.
The venture has already supported a diverse range of companies gain valuable market exposure and technical support from its international resources.
According to Mondelēz, all participants in its initiative must align with its ethos of being good for people, kind to the planet and deliciously fun, the focus for the 2023 class is Disruptively Delicious. As such, the team explained it is looking for brands that are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in making a snack delicious – from flavours, to experience, to sustainability to packaging – as well as grabbing the attention of retailers and getting consumers coming back for more.
Brigette Wolf, VP and Global Head of SnackFutures, revealed that CoLab is working just as it was intended – to provide emerging brands with the tools, resources and technologies they would otherwise not have access to, and introduce the global snacking leader to new insights, capability and prospective investments.
“To be launching a third class of CoLab demonstrates Mondelēz International’s commitment to thinking and behaving as a consumer-centric, future forward leader in snacking,” said Wolf. “The start-ups that participate in this program tell us they are blown away by the access and attention they get from our experts and ecosystem; and our leaders and employees are inspired by the drive and discipline of these entrepreneurs.”
The 12-week program includes in-person workshops, hands-on experiences and virtual curriculum sessions, along with 1:1 mentorship, access to Mondelēz International experts and its partners across the globe.
Applications for the CoLab 2023 program are open now through December 2022. The program begins in April of 2023. To apply, start-ups must be based in the US, generating at least $1M in revenue, have high growth potential, align with the Mondelēz International innovation priorities and can benefit from working with the company. For more information and to apply to the CoLab program, visit www.snackfutures.com.
About Mondelēz International
Mondelēz International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MDLZ) empowers people to snack right in over 150 countries around the world. With 2021 net revenues of approximately $29 billion, MDLZ is leading the future of snacking with iconic global and local brands such as Oreo, belVita and LU biscuits; Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka and Toblerone chocolate; Sour Patch Kids candy and Trident gum. Mondelēz International is a proud member of the Standard and Poor’s 500, Nasdaq 100 and Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Visit www.mondelezinternational.com or follow the company on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDLZ.
About SnackFutures