Whole Foods Market has revealed the participants for the latest cohort of its Local and Emerging Accelerator Program (LEAP), specifically celebrating the brands chosen for the program’s Early Growth track. Launched in 2022, LEAP underscores Whole Foods Market’s dedication to nurturing mutually beneficial relationships with local and emerging brands through tailored educational programming and individual mentorship. Participants in the program may also qualify for a $25,000 equity investment from a donor-advised fund managed by the Austin Community Foundation. This funding supports the Whole Foods Market Foundation through initiatives like Whole Cities, Whole Kids, and Whole Planet.
The 2024 Early Growth cohort features 10 innovative brands that are not yet available in Whole Foods Market stores: Aahana’s, Bowlcut, Date Better Snacks, Edenesque, Freezcake, Geem, Maté Party, Sam + Leo, Sibeiho, and Tuyyo Foods. After completing the 12-week curriculum, these suppliers’ products will be considered for placement on Whole Foods Market shelves in their respective cities or regional areas. This year, the Local and Emerging Brands team at Whole Foods Market reviewed over 1,600 applications for the Early Growth cohort, representing a 60% increase from 2023.
“Our Local and Emerging Brands team is excited to have selected a diverse group of founders and products for this year’s Early Growth program track,” said Alyssa Vescio, Senior Vice President of Merchandising at Whole Foods Market. “Engaging with new brands and entrepreneurs eager to grow allows our team to diversify product offerings in stores, support small businesses, and stay committed to our local communities. We look forward to watching these 10 brands achieve continued growth and pave their way to success through Whole Foods Market’s mentorship.”
About Whole Foods Market
Founded in 1980, Austin-based Whole Foods Market is the world’s leading natural and organic foods retailer and the first certified organic national grocer in the United States. Part of Amazon’s Worldwide Grocery Stores, Whole Foods Market serves customers in more than 530 stores across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. To learn more about Whole Foods Market
