One-of-a-kind partnership supports Canadian
consumer packaged goods brands while offering entrepreneurs access
to networking, workshop, and intensive programs for brand
expansion
TORONTO, March 19,
2024 /CNW/ - Venturepark Labs ("Venturepark"),
a leading ecosystem in the Canadian consumer packaged goods (CPG)
space, announced today the renewal of its partnership with Sobeys
Inc. ("Sobeys"), a prominent leader in the Canadian grocery
industry.
With various types of CPG support initiatives in Canada, the partnership will continue to
propel local consumer-packaged goods entrepreneurs across
Canada from the ideation phase to
commercialization through a range of dynamic programs, including
Venturepark's Concept to Market Sprint program, its 20,000 sq ft
Food Incubator and commercial kitchen and the Accelerator
program.
"Canada is a resource rich
nation and a breeding ground for entrepreneurship and innovation.
We are proud to renew our partnership with Sobeys, a testament of
our shared commitment to championing Canadian entrepreneurs and the
commercialization of their products," said Arlene Dickinson, CEO of Venturepark Labs.
"Through this partnership, we help pave the way for a future where
the success of our homegrown brands translates into the success of
our country."
A recent report conducted by MNP LLP found that entrepreneurs
supported by Arlene Dickinson's
venture capital fund, District Ventures Capital, and Venturepark
Labs have generated a total economic output to-date of $1.6 billion—creating a significant contribution
to Canada's economy and providing
more evidence of the importance of the potential of
commercialization in the Canadian food and wellness CPG
sectors.
Forged in 2020, this partnership is an extension of Empire
Company's long-standing commitment to being the national grocer
that Canadian families can count on for local food and well-being
products that they have come to know and love. Over the past four
years, entrepreneurs in Venturepark's programming have received
valuable support including coaching from Local Development
Specialists and opportunities to bring their products to the
grocer's store shelves within a region or across Canada.
"Teaming up with a non-profit organization that has a strong
commitment to support CPG startups like Venturepark Labs has been a
really positive experience," said Rob
Allsop, Vice President National Sourcing & Supplier
Engagement at Sobeys. "With the invaluable support from Venturepark
Labs, many of these brands gain crucial insights before hitting
retail shelves. This partnership is poised to continually fuel
entrepreneurial growth and success"
As a part of the renewed partnership, entrepreneurs in
Venturepark's programming will receive enhanced access to an
exclusive resource platform and curated events tailored to the CPG
sector.
About Venturepark Labs
Venturepark is a Canadian organization that helps consumer goods
brands grow. Its accelerator program has helped 130 brands grow and
nonprofit initiatives that have supported many Canadian
entrepreneurs. It offers free online resources, product development
support, and a food manufacturing facility in Toronto. Venturepark partners with industry
leaders and creates a vibrant ecosystem for CPG brands to
thrive.
Learn more at www.ventureparklabs.ca.
About Empire
Empire Company Limited (TSX: EMP.A) is a Canadian company
headquartered in Stellarton, Nova
Scotia. Empire's key businesses are food retailing, through
wholly-owned subsidiary Sobeys Inc., and related real estate. With
approximately $31.6 billion in annual
sales and $16.4 billion in assets,
Empire and its subsidiaries, franchisees and affiliates employ
approximately 131,000 people.
Additional financial information relating to Empire, including
the Company's Annual Information Form, can be found on the
Company's website at www.empireco.ca or on the SEDAR+ website
for Canadian regulatory filings at www.sedarplus.ca.
SOURCE Venturepark Labs