In partnership with consulting firm Venturefuel, The New York State Dairy Promotion Order announced yesterday the finalists for the 2022 New York Milklaunch startup competition. The theme for this year is fueling Gen-Z consumer demand for dairy products. Mentorship to jumpstart new product innovations and $200,000 in prizes are offered as part of the competition.
The finalists are:
1. Creme and Cocoa Creamery: Caribbean-inspired ice cream and sorbet.
2. Elite Sweets: a better-for-you donut made with protein from milk and eggs.
3. Mochidoki: mochi ice cream made with premium and innovative flavors and ingredients.
4. Novel Foods: a protein powder upcycled from cheese or Greek yogurt whey.
5. Spyit: a dairy-based chocolate energy drink.
6. True Scoops: a shelf-stable ice cream and topping mix brand enabling consumers to make ice cream at home without an ice cream maker.
“Gen Z doesn’t want their parents’ dairy products, they want new and exciting options,” said Fred Schonenberg, founder of Venturefuel, in a statement. “This year’s competition is focused on future-proofing dairy for the next generation with incredibly innovative solutions that open up new demand.”
Each finalist is given a $10,000 stipend to perfect their product, often spent on lab time, consumer insights, and research. Additionally, finalists will receive mentorship from experts in retail, dairy, and consumer products.
On August 25 finalists will pitch to a panel of judges in a live-streamed event.
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Image: VentureFuel