Whole Foods Market has commenced the application process for its 2024 local and emerging accelerator program (LEAP), designed to foster mentorship opportunities and tailored educational programming for participants.
Launched in 2022, LEAP offers mentorship with Whole Foods Market experts and a customized educational curriculum. Selected participants in the early growth cohort will undergo a 12-week program and may be considered for placement on Whole Foods Market shelves in their respective regions.
Moreover, participants may qualify for a $25,000 equity investment from a donor-advised fund managed by the Austin Community Foundation, with proceeds supporting Whole Foods Market’s private operating foundations.
Jaju Pierogi, a food brand, gained entry into select Whole Foods Market stores in Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island in December 2023 following its participation in the 2023 early growth LEAP cohort.
Vanessa White, co-founder of Jaju Pierogi, remarked, “The LEAP program reinforced our relationship with Whole Foods Market, granting us insider access to consumer packaged goods leaders and an invaluable network of emerging suppliers.”
Alyssa Vescio, senior vice president of merchandising at Whole Foods Market, emphasized the importance of empowering emerging brands with essential tools, education, and access. She highlighted that by doing so, the company is not only fostering their growth but also cultivating a platform for creativity, innovation, and positive change.
As part of Amazon’s global grocery stores, Whole Foods Market operates 530 stores across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
The retailer has recently unveiled plans to introduce a smaller store format in the United States called the Whole Foods Market Daily Shop, catering to its urban customers.
The information on the “Whole Foods opens 2024 local and emerging accelerator program” was originally sourced from Retail Insight Network, a brand owned by GlobalData.