Jamie Mandeville and Cecilia Rios Murieta, co-founders of JAS Non-Alcoholic Cocktails [Photo: JAS]
PepsiCo has announced the eight finalists who will take part in the second year of its Greenhouse Accelerator program. Juntos Cresemos (Together We Grow) edition. And one of those startups is right here in North Texas.
PepsiCo said this year’s Greenhouse Accelerator is “focused on elevating high-potential consumer packaged food and beverage brands and products inspired by Hispanic flavors and culture that are better for people and the planet.”
One of the eight participating startups is Dallas-based JAS, which creates non-alcoholic cocktails with adaptogens, botanicals and “real ingredients.” Co-founded by New York-based Jamie Mandeville and Dallas-based CEO Cecilia Rios Murieta, the brand features products such as Paloma Libre, a canned drink infused with ashwagandha and packed with “bright flavor, functional benefits and a signature ‘Mexican pink’ hue.” According to PepsiCo, JAS embodies a “bold and free” lifestyle that celebrates individuality and authenticity.
Eight startups have been selected as finalists to participate in the second year of PepsiCo’s Greenhouse Accelerator program, the Juntos Crecemos (Together We Grow) edition, a five-month mentoring initiative designed to accelerate the growth of consumer packaged goods and beverage brands. [Photo: PepsiCo]
The accelerator kicked off with a launch event at Frito-Lay headquarters. Plano, There, JAS and the seven other finalists were introduced to mentors – experts in research and development, supply chain, design and more – who will support them throughout the five-month program.
According to PepsiCo, the startups will each receive $20,000 in funding to expand their businesses and will compete for a $100,000 first place prize, “based on their potential to introduce innovative products to the food and beverage industry, as well as their commitment to scalability, quality, sustainability and community engagement.”
At the end of the five-month program, “each finalist will present their progress to date, demonstrating how they have successfully implemented what they learned from their mentors and identified solutions that will accelerate business growth,” PepsiCo said. An expert selection committee will then choose one of the eight finalists to receive an additional prize. $100,000 “To keep moving forward.”
In addition to JAS, other startups participating in this year’s accelerator include:
Jazirpini – (Rochester, New York) JaziLupini offers plant-based, gluten-free pasta that satisfies your cravings with a low-carb, protein-rich formula. Inspired by the flavors and preparations of Latin American cuisine, it’s made with premium organic ingredients and is free of egg, dairy, nuts, gluten and soy, and packed with functional nutrients for a nutritious meal choice.
Mayawell – (Austin, Texas) Mayawell offers Mexican-inspired prebiotic sodas sweetened with organic agave and Active Agave™ inulin, which acts as both a prebiotic and a low-glycemic sweetener. With flavors like Strawberry Ginger with Hibiscus and Pineapple Mango with Turmeric, Mayawell offers delicious, guilt-free refreshment.
Nemi – (Chicago, Illinois) Nemi Snacks offers delicious crispy sticks made with nopales, seeds, and fresh spices. With five different flavors and whole food ingredients, these snacks enhance the authentic Mexican taste.
Pactoli – (Cincinnati, Ohio) Paktli Foods makes artisanal supersnacks with organic puffed amaranth, quinoa, millet, chocolate, dried fruits and nuts. Inspired by 16th century Mexican alegrias, these snacks are organic, gluten-free, and also available in vegan and soy-free options.
Prickly – (New York, New YorkPrickly is a natural hydrating drink made from the prickly pear cactus. MexicoIt’s packed with electrolytes, antioxidants and Vitamin C. The low sugar formula uses 80% less irrigation than traditional crops, providing delicious, sustainable refreshment.
Toast It – (Miami, Florida) TOAST-IT offers gluten-free Latin American staples like arepas and pan de bono, made with real ingredients like yucca root and grilled bananas. With a focus on traditional flavors, our toasted products bring you a taste of Latin American culture. united states of america.
Ya Oaxaca! – (Austin, Texas) ¡ Ya Oaxaca! handcrafts its mole sauces, adobos, and salsas using the finest natural, non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan ingredients. Oaxaca We uphold our gastronomic traditions while prioritizing quality, sustainability and ethical sourcing practices.
“This year we have an incredible group of finalists representing a diverse range of foods, flavors and cultures.” Antonio Escalona“With access to high-quality mentorship, resources and a platform designed for growth, this program will not only support the expansion of these innovative ventures, but also create products that meet changing consumer preferences for unique and dynamic products, driving both venture success and innovation across the industry,” PepsiCo Foods North America’s senior vice president of emerging businesses said in a statement.
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