Five startups, poised to tap into food trends ranging from high-protein jerky through to matcha powder and nut butter, have been selected to be part of Chobani's new Food Incubator.
The companies set to make up the inaugural incubator class include 99th Monkey, Bake Mixers, Kooee! Snacks, Matcha Maiden and Mingle Spices.
Their products include a high-protein jerky, a range of no-nasties seasoning, Australia’s first matcha beverage powder with 137 different antioxidants of green tea, a range of bake mixes which make healthy living easy, and a sustainable take on nut butters.
The Chobani Food Incubator (CFI) was originally launched in the US to give food startups resources to challenge bigger food companies.
In Australia, the final five were chosen from over 100 applications to the program across a broad range of categories.
The application process involved taste-testing and one-on-one meetings with food entrepreneurs.
Each of the companies were selected for their commitment to standout products that will expand the Australian food market, according to Chobani Australia MD Peter Meek.
“We love what Australian entrepreneurs are doing, and think they have something special to offer food lovers,” he said.
“The Chobani Food Incubator is our way of paying forward the success we’ve had and the lessons we’ve learned along the way.
"We’re excited about giving these small companies an opportunity to break through and make a difference.”
Over the next four months, the cohort will spend time at Chobani’s Melbourne factory and at Monash University’s recently launched $3 million food incubation facility, located at the Food Innovation Centre (FIC).
The curriculum is designed to provide the startups with the resources, expertise and mentorship they need to scale and impact the local food landscape.
