Peapod Digital Labs Names Incubator Program Participants
Peapod Digital Labs (PDL), the digital, e-commerce and commercial arm of Ahold Delhaize USA, has announced the chosen participants of its Private Brands Incubator Program.
Launched in early July, the incubator is designed to develop new private label products in partnership with certified, diverse-owned suppliers for Ahold Delhaize USA banner stores. PDL has selected five winners to take part in the program.
The five companies include the following, as described by PDL.
- Nuttin Ordinary, LLC: The certified LGBT and minority-owned company crafts 100% plant-based quality cheese spreads, cream cheese and ravioli products that are lactose intolerant friendly, vegan friendly, and sustainable.
- Rhythm Roasting Company: This certified minority-owned company is a coffee supplier and support organization for coffee growers from around the world seeking to expand their scope and accessibility throughout the coffee industry.
- Whole & Free Foods, LLC: A certified, women-owned company, Whole & Free Foods makes, markets, and sells delicious foods that are free from the top 14 allergens, corn and sugar.
- Battle Tested, LLC: This Veteran-owned gourmet barbeque sauce is all natural and gluten free. No high fructose corn syrup, no artificial preservatives, just real ingredients that you can read, pronounce, and taste. It’s small batch, craft made, so every bottle is at the peak of freshness.
- Mr. Kooks Inc: A certified, minority-owned company, Mr. Kooks is a line of Indian Simmer Sauces targeted towards mainstream consumers that want to eat Indian Food but do not have the expertise to cook it from scratch.
“We are excited to welcome the 5 diverse-owned suppliers to our Private Brands Incubator program,” said Ian Prisuta, Senior Vice President of Private Brands at Peapod Digital Labs. “We look forward to working with each brand, introducing them to our Private Brands team, structure, and goals, and helping them expand their knowledge about the brands of Ahold Delhaize USA.”
During the two-and-a-half-month program, the five selected participants will work with PDL’s Private Brands team and learn about the private brand structure and goals, ultimately proposing product concepts for consideration. Participants will also be paired with mentors from PDL to guide them through the program and help them prepare for their final pitch. The program will culminate in November with a livestreamed event, announcing the overall winner.
Food Lion, Giant Food, The Giant Co., Hannaford, and Stop & Shop are all Ahold Delhaize USA banner stores, making up more than 2,000 stores across 23 states.