Food Entrepreneur NEW YORK — Ten emerging brands will be featured in the Diversity Pavilion at the upcoming Summer Fancy Food Show. The event, slated for June 25-27 in New York, marks the second year of collaboration between the Specialty Food Association and (included) CPG, a collective of founders and leaders of color in the consumer packaged goods industry.

“As a not-for-profit membership trade organization, the Specialty Food Association is committed to fostering an inclusive specialty food industry,” said Bill Lynch, president of the Specialty Food Association. “Through our partnership with (included), we can help amplify the contributions of BIPOC specialty food producers by featuring them at the industry’s premiere business and networking events, the Fancy Food Shows.”

Exhibiting brands in the Diversity Pavilion will include:

Down the Road Spice Co., Indian-inspired organic spice blends

Edie’s for Everybody, chocolate confections featuring global flavors

Growee Foods, savory spreads formulated with vegetables, seeds and spices

Impact Food, plant-based seafood substitutes

Jack & Friends, plant-based jerky made with jackfruit and pea protein

Nowhere Bakery, plant-based, gluten-free cookies, bars and baking mixes

Side Project Jerky, beef jerky featuring regional and global flavors

Tochi, Asian-inspired popcorn and salmon chips

Uncle Waithley’s, non-alcoholic ginger beer blended with scotch bonnet pepper

Yoro, functional beverages incorporating antioxidants and adaptogens

“As a first-generation BIPOC founder, we have an inherent responsibility to our customers, retailers, distributors, suppliers, community, cities and planet as all stakeholders alike,” said Robert Haynes, chief executive officer and co-founder of Yoro. “Through the endless opportunities that the (included) team have continued to provide in tandem with the Specialty Food Association, we are allowed to share our story in the most authentic way possible with the intention that our customer gets to share wholeheartedly in the vision, dreams and passions that we have poured into our products. With these invaluable once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, our customers are empowered to live better lives and share with their community, thus making a better world, and for that we are eternally grateful.”

Edie Pan, founder of Edie’s for Everybody, added, “(included) CPG and the Specialty Food Association have provided us with an incredible opportunity to connect with industry leaders and potential partners, and to introduce our product to a wider audience. Our cohort — and the delicious products we make — embody a commitment to celebrating and sharing the diverse flavors and cultures that make up our community. We are deeply grateful to SFA and (included) CPG for recognizing the value of supporting underrepresented voices in the food industry. We can’t wait to make the most of this opportunity and see where this journey takes us.” 


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