As SKU celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, we are at the epicenter of the CPG ecosystem in Austin and beyond. As the nation’s first CPG accelerator, SKU is in the unique position of seeing emerging trends and evolving categories before they ever appear on the shelf.
Small CPG startups now are the leaders and innovators in an industry once dominated by large companies. And SKU has been at the forefront of this revolution. Through the nearly 100 brands that have gone through SKU, we have experienced the changing tastes of the consumer and worked with the inventive brands meeting their needs.
With EPIC Provisions, SKU was involved in the reinvention of the protein bar aisle. SKU alum Siete helped create a demand for upscale, healthy Hispanic food. Austin Eastciders was at the center of a boom in hard cider.
To provide the best possible program for our founders, we strive to work with the leading experts in the industry. Our top-notch curriculum gives us a 360-degree view of best practices and the latest trends. Whether it’s the leader in emerging brands for 7-Eleven, a head buyer at Whole Foods or a national expert on pricing, we stay on top of what is happening in CPG.
We also boast an impressive bench of blue-chip mentors with deep knowledge and experience. They include CPG legends like Clayton Christopher, founder of Sweet Leaf Tea and Deep Eddy Vodka; Scott Jensen, co-founder of Stubb’s Bar-B-Q and Rhythm Superfoods; and Matt O’Hayer, founder of Vital Farms, the nation’s No. 2 egg brand.
As we expand into new markets – BeyondSKU in New York, ImpactSKU in the Twin Cities, SKU DFW – we attract new mentors and collaborate with new partners. This provides SKU with an even broader perspective.
With the SKU Report, we look forward to sharing these insights with you.