PepsiCo has announced the return of its Greenhouse Accelerator Program: Juntos Crecemos (Together We Grow) Edition – a program that focuses on driving growth for emerging Hispanic-owned CPG food and beverage businesses that are better for the planet and people by providing grants, mentorship and other invaluable resources.
“We are so excited to launch year two of the program to be a catalyst of growth for emerging Hispanic-owned ventures in the food and beverage industry,” said Esperanza Teasdale, Vice President & General Manager, Hispanic Business Unit, PepsiCo Beverages North America. “Last year’s program was a reciprocal exchange of learning. Mentors provided mentees with invaluable business advice, and the mentees provided a thoughtful approach to their respective businesses and the industry at large. This cross-pollination of ideas and perspectives is what helps drive innovation within PepsiCo.”
PepsiCo will choose eight promising businesses from the applicant pool to receive a $20,000 grant and join the five-month mentorship program to address their specific business challenges, including brand development, scaling technology, business model development, product optimization and go-to-market strategy.
“The success resulting from programs like this one showcases the power of the U.S. Hispanic entrepreneur,” said Antonio Escalona, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Hispanic Business Unit, PepsiCo Foods North America. “Embracing the spirit of innovation, our commitment at PepsiCo is rooted in meeting the dynamic demands of today’s evolving consumers. We hope to give these Hispanic-owned start-ups the resources needed to shape the future of food and beverage with creativity, ingenuity and relentless dedication.”
Daniel Schwarz, winner of the inaugural mentorship program and Founder & CEO of Mexican-inspired snack company CHUZA, used the grant and expertise he gained to raise product awareness and inspire brand love around the world through expanded branding and marketing efforts. Since November 2023, Daniel has been focused on product packaging improvements and working on new product innovations that he hopes to introduce later this year.
“I cannot thank PepsiCo enough for the financial and strategic support that I received through the first-ever Juntos Crecemos Edition of the PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator Program,” said Daniel Schwarz, Founder and CEO of Chuza. “I encourage all Hispanic business owners in the food and beverage sector to apply for this program and take advantage of all it has to offer because it can help transform your businesses to make an impact in the industry.”
The recipient awarded the additional $100,000 funding at the end of last year’s Greenhouse Accelerator Program: Juntos Crecemos Edition was CHUZA, a San Diego-based spicy fruit and vegetable snack. The company was founded to share authentic Mexican culture, flavors, and flair with the world. Other California-based finalists from last year’s Greenhouse Accelerator cohort include:
- I Eat My Greens – San Diego
- FoodWare – Bay Area
- Date Better Snacks – LA
- Tia Lupita® Foods – LA
Daniel and other finalists from last year’s cohort will attend Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, CA, the leading trade show in the natural, organic and healthy product industry, on March 14 to share their testimonies about the program during a one-hour informational session alongside PepsiCo leaders.
To learn more about the program and how to apply, visit: https://greenhouseaccelerator.com/juntos-crecemos/. Applications close May 6.