ORLANDO, FLA. — Southern-inspired stew and boil bases manufacturer Chilau Foods has opened a crowdfunding round. More than 100 individual investors have invested in the round as the company expands into retail in the United States, the company said.
Chilau Foods is working its way toward its $1 million goal needed for expansion, the company said. Funds will go toward increasing production, which includes packing, filling and distribution. In addition, funds will help the company invest in trade spend as it amplifies its marketing and promotional efforts to drive product trial and increase off-the-shelf sales, Chilau Foods said. The company also is planning to grow into eight additional retailers by the end of 2024.
“The Chilau brand was developed by listening to our customers, and I am thrilled to give our early backers the opportunity to own a piece of the brand and grow with us,” said Michael Anderson, founder of Chilau Foods. “As Chilau Foods continues its rapid growth into retail, this community round of funding will play a crucial role in expanding our presence and meet growing demand.”
The company launched in January 2023 and currently has products in more than 370 stores, including Winn-Dixie, Market Street, Albertsons, United Supermarkets, Harveys Supermarkets, and Plum Market. The company focuses on non-traditional flavors like low-country citrus and creole trinity.
The company also is partnering with Consumer Convenience Technologies. Through the partnership, Chilau will use the company’s EEASY Lid on all of its products. The lid is designed to help brands provide accessibility to their jarred food products and allows consumers to vent a vacuum-sealed jar by pressing a button on the lid, a procedure that reduces the amount of torque needed to twist off the lid by up to 50%, the company said.Enjoying this content? Learn about more disruptive startups on the Food Entrepreneur page.
