Propeller’s 2021 Impact Accelerator program features four Black food entrepreneurs navigating the consumer-packaged goods industry.
The consumer-packaged goods industry has grown considerably since the start of the pandemic, as eating habits shifted away from dine-in food service to meals prepared and eaten at home.
The focus on consumer-packaged goods follows propeller’s recent food manufacturing partnership with Greater New Orleans, Inc., Edible Enterprises and St. Charles Parish, the New Orleans Business Alliance, University of Holy Cross, Volunteers of America, Xavier University, and the Louisiana Small Business Development Center. It aims to grow the region’s food manufacturing industry.
The Impact Accelerator is a four-month program to provide entrepreneurs with coaching, community building and technical assistance.
“New Orleans is undoubtedly a global food capital, but why are so few of our food products made locally?” asked Kristine Creveling, Propeller’s director of strategic initiatives. Entrepreneurs developing food products often lack access to certified manufacturing facilities and other support infrastructure to begin wholesale production, resulting in business relocations and New Orleans losing out on stable, well-paying local jobs.
Through its program, Propeller will be supporting the following Black-owned food and beverage companies:
- Daydream Koffucha, a sparkling, probiotic coffee beverage developed by food scientist and Baton Rouge native Dalton Honoré. Honoré began brewing the drink for his own consumption during morning shifts at a farmers market.
- Fresh Hibiscus Tea, a bottled hibiscus tea brand founded by Firdaws Ashiru. Ashiru longed for the deep, flavorful hibiscus tea she drank while growing up in Nigeria. In collaboration with the brand’s COO, Vondero Weir of Baton Rouge, she produces a drink that appeals to hibiscus tea aficionados and those seeking healthy drinks.
- Hotties Tamales, founded during the pandemic by chef Dior Ellis. Ellis was inspired by street vendors selling tamales from carts in her hometown of Los Angeles. Known for her vegan tamales that use locally-grown produce, Ellis is currently exploring manufacturing her frozen tamales for retail sale.
- Paw Bakery, also established during the pandemic, which produces pet treats made with high-quality, human-grade ingredients. Founder Myishen Haines will set aside a portion of proceeds to help those with disabilities acquire and train their own service dogs.
- “The one silver lining to the pandemic is that it forced us to turn inward, take a hard look at ourselves, and ask the question: who am I and what do I really want?” Honoré said.
“The CPG landscape can be brutal as there are so many facets to it. At any given time, you feel as though you’re juggling 10 glass balls and that they could drop at any moment. The support system, expansive resources, and depth of knowledge from both the Propeller staff and lead mentor help you feel a little less scared as you try to keep those balls in the air.”
Read more about the 2021 Impact Accelerator class at gopropeller.org/ventures. To learn more about the program visit gopropeller.org/accelerator.
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August 11, 2021 at 10:26AM
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Entrepreneurs navigate the consumer-packaged goods industry through Propeller's program - NOLA.com
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