California Milk Advisory Board Revitalizes Dairy Startup Scene with the Return of Real California Milk Excelerator
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) is taking significant strides to support the dairy industry by re-launching the Real California Milk Excelerator, an esteemed competition targeting dairy-based startups. This initiative is facilitated in partnership with VentureFuel, a consultancy known for fostering innovation within various sectors. With applications open until August 4, 2025, this program promises to nurture and escalate dairy product innovations among new entrepreneurs.
The Real California Milk Excelerator, now in its seventh iteration, is recognized as one of the largest startup competitions specifically for the dairy sector, setting it apart on the global landscape. This year, CMAB has enhanced its offering by introducing an official Incubator track tailored for early-stage companies, showcasing its commitment to cultivating innovation at all levels of growth.
Since its inception in 2019, the Excelerator has been instrumental in propelling over 50 startups towards success, enabling them to access considerable financial backing, crucial mentorship, and a rich ecosystem dedicated to dairy innovation and growth. The introduction of the Incubator track signifies a more profound dedication to supporting pioneers in the dairy industry, especially those at earlier stages of their product development journey. This track aims to guide and develop nascent concepts through comprehensive support.
Bob Caroll, the CEO of CMAB, commented on the initiative's importance: "From concept to commercialization, our expanded program meets innovators where they are and helps them scale by tapping into the powerful benefits of California milk and our support system for brands that use the Real California Milk seal." This statement underlines CMAB's intention to bolster the dairy industry by comprehensively assisting both growth-stage companies and new startups.
Both tracks of the program will last ten weeks, during which participants will receive stipends to cover costs related to their product development, marketing strategies, and retail positioning. A particularly thrilling aspect is the in-person culmination event in California, where participants will get the chance to showcase their products. The Excelerator track will include a live pitch competition, providing finalists with the opportunity to win up to $30,000 in marketing support, alongside a further potential $100,000 over the following year based on their market performance. This financial incentive demonstrates CMAB's commitment to advancing successful dairy innovations.
With dairy consumption on the rise, the timing couldn't be more appropriate. Recent statistics from Circana emphasize a 4.6% year-on-year growth in sales of real milk, indicating a resurgence in consumer preference for dairy products rich in taste and nutrition. Fred Schonenberg, Founder and CEO of VentureFuel, noted that consumers are now increasingly demanding authentic and nutritious choices, opening the door for innovative opportunities in the dairy sector.
The program is not only designed for companies already operational but also welcomes early-stage startups developing products with at least 50% dairy content. Categories of interest for applicants include beverages, snacks, cheeses, yogurts, butter, and even non-edible items like personal care products. The Incubator track's focus on early-stage startups aims to unlock new potentials and expand the ecosystem of dairy innovators.
Interested parties are encouraged to visit the official website, realcamilkexcelerator.com, where they can apply, peruse rules, and register for an informative virtual session scheduled for July 15, 2025. This year’s competition showcases California's leadership as the top dairy-producing state in the U.S. and its commitment to sustainable dairy farming practices, supported by over a thousand family-owned dairy farms.
As the Real California Milk Excelerator prepares to launch into its seventh year, the opportunities for entrepreneurs are boundless. With a focus on innovation, mentorship, and community support, this program is poised to shape the future of the dairy industry and encourage a new wave of market-disrupting products using real California milk. The timing is ripe for aspiring innovators to harness the potential of dairy and play a pivotal role in driving its future forward.
The Real California Milk Excelerator, now in its seventh iteration, is recognized as one of the largest startup competitions specifically for the dairy sector, setting it apart on the global landscape. This year, CMAB has enhanced its offering by introducing an official Incubator track tailored for early-stage companies, showcasing its commitment to cultivating innovation at all levels of growth.
Since its inception in 2019, the Excelerator has been instrumental in propelling over 50 startups towards success, enabling them to access considerable financial backing, crucial mentorship, and a rich ecosystem dedicated to dairy innovation and growth. The introduction of the Incubator track signifies a more profound dedication to supporting pioneers in the dairy industry, especially those at earlier stages of their product development journey. This track aims to guide and develop nascent concepts through comprehensive support.
Bob Caroll, the CEO of CMAB, commented on the initiative's importance: "From concept to commercialization, our expanded program meets innovators where they are and helps them scale by tapping into the powerful benefits of California milk and our support system for brands that use the Real California Milk seal." This statement underlines CMAB's intention to bolster the dairy industry by comprehensively assisting both growth-stage companies and new startups.
Both tracks of the program will last ten weeks, during which participants will receive stipends to cover costs related to their product development, marketing strategies, and retail positioning. A particularly thrilling aspect is the in-person culmination event in California, where participants will get the chance to showcase their products. The Excelerator track will include a live pitch competition, providing finalists with the opportunity to win up to $30,000 in marketing support, alongside a further potential $100,000 over the following year based on their market performance. This financial incentive demonstrates CMAB's commitment to advancing successful dairy innovations.
With dairy consumption on the rise, the timing couldn't be more appropriate. Recent statistics from Circana emphasize a 4.6% year-on-year growth in sales of real milk, indicating a resurgence in consumer preference for dairy products rich in taste and nutrition. Fred Schonenberg, Founder and CEO of VentureFuel, noted that consumers are now increasingly demanding authentic and nutritious choices, opening the door for innovative opportunities in the dairy sector.
The program is not only designed for companies already operational but also welcomes early-stage startups developing products with at least 50% dairy content. Categories of interest for applicants include beverages, snacks, cheeses, yogurts, butter, and even non-edible items like personal care products. The Incubator track's focus on early-stage startups aims to unlock new potentials and expand the ecosystem of dairy innovators.
Interested parties are encouraged to visit the official website, realcamilkexcelerator.com, where they can apply, peruse rules, and register for an informative virtual session scheduled for July 15, 2025. This year’s competition showcases California's leadership as the top dairy-producing state in the U.S. and its commitment to sustainable dairy farming practices, supported by over a thousand family-owned dairy farms.
As the Real California Milk Excelerator prepares to launch into its seventh year, the opportunities for entrepreneurs are boundless. With a focus on innovation, mentorship, and community support, this program is poised to shape the future of the dairy industry and encourage a new wave of market-disrupting products using real California milk. The timing is ripe for aspiring innovators to harness the potential of dairy and play a pivotal role in driving its future forward.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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