The Trailmix pitch competition helps food and beverage startups take their products from the farmers market to the supermarket. Applicants compete for a chance at winning $50,000 in prize money and shelf space at Albertsons’ Broadway store, with the potential for expansion into other regional stores if sales are strong. $10,000 will be awarded to the runner-up. If fundraising goals are met before the event, the grand prize will be increased to $100,000.
Over the last four years, Trailmix has awarded more than $75,000 to food product startups. This year’s event will be held in person and past local winners include Boise-based Erth Beverage Company, which creates honey-sweetened beverages using organic herbs, fruits and botanicals.
Judging criteria includes innovation, market traction, taste, shelf readiness for large retail, ingredients and the unique value proposition of the food product. For applicants to be considered for the event, they cannot be a current vendor or be in the process of becoming a vendor with Albertsons. Trailmix applications are being accepted online at boiseentrepreneurweek.org until September 9th, 2022 by midnight MST.
The screening process will result in five finalists who will be paired with industry mentors to prepare for their final pitch. Food companies that are not chosen to pitch will be invited to participate in Boise Entrepreneur Week’s Food Expo, taking place on October 27, 2022 from 3-5 p.m. in Boise. This year’s event is anticipated to attract more than 6,000 food enthusiasts, entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Trailmix is made possible through Presenting Sponsor Albertsons. Boise Entrepreneur Week is supported by Title Sponsor Idaho STEM Action Center; Platinum Sponsors Alturas Capital, Scoggin Capital Investments, Zions Bank; and Gold Sponsors Perkins Coie and Vynyl.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for Trailmix 2022 is Friday, September 9th, 2022 by midnight MST.
When & Where
Trailmix & the Food Expo are scheduled for October 27th, 2022 from 3-5:30 pm at JUMP.
