Circana, the new name for IRI and The NPD Group, has announced the second cohort of its Diversity Advantage Program, which empowers company owners from underrepresented groups to drive business growth. They include:
• Beauty Bakerie Cosmetics Brand Inc.
• Black Opal
• Caribé Juice Inc.
• Creamalicious
• Maggie's Farm Ltd.
• Dyla Brands LLC
• Golde Wellness Inc.
• Kitsch LLC
• Lochirco Fruit and Produce Inc.
• Mr. Kooks Inc.
• Night Hawk Frozen Foods Inc.
• Play Kids Products LLC
• Purely Gourmet Meat Co. LLC
• The Honey Pot Company (DE) LLC
DAP's second cohort of 13 CPG companies join 27 inaugural participants who have already achieved business results in the program, according to Circana.
"We are pleased with the significant impact we have made in our community through the DAP program so far, and with the positive growth our participants are achieving," said Boris Oglesby, executive vice president and practice leader for Circana, in a statement. "As we head into year two, we look forward to continuing to provide resources and coaching to diverse-owned CPG companies with the support of Circana's employee volunteers and retailer partners."
DAP participants will receive access to data and application training to build insights literacy. They can also leverage Circana’s expertise to help drive sales growth and market share for their businesses.
"We are proud to be part of DAP, which is working to create more equality in the consumer goods space," said Stuart Aitken, chief merchant and marketing officer for Kroger, in a statement. "We've seen amazing outcomes for minority-led businesses participating in the program. We're seeing just how impactful data, insights and a strong collaboration between manufacturers and retailers can be. We’re thrilled to continue our involvement in a program that is making meaningful change in our industry."
Anish Patel, president of Mr. Kooks Inc., which offers premium global seasonings and Indian simmer sauces, said, "We are excited to join the DAP program, as its initiatives are ideally suited to help a company like ours capture growth opportunities. The support from Circana gives us the resources and insights to succeed as an Indian-owned company in this market. We’re eager to continue partnering with large retailers and to seeing each cohort thrive."
Related: Video: Diversity Pavilion Members Share Healthy Products; Meijer to Host Supplier Diversity Event.
Image: Circana