Foxtrox, a convenience store that specializes in specialty food and beverages, recently requested submissions for its third annual Up & Comers Awards, a program that amplifies small, diverse businesses.
“We started our Up & Comers program two years ago because we realized we don’t just want to stock our shelves, we want to create space on them—space for small makers, for local businesses, for diversity, for change,” shared the company on its website. “And over the past two years we’ve done just that by adding 36 local and emerging brands to our shelves! That’s because we love helping small makers grow by providing space for them across our 32 stores and app, and most of all we love getting to share their stories with you.”
Specialty food businesses are encouraged to submit their product to earn awards in myriad categories, and shelf space in-store and/or online.
The categories are:
• Hero Winner, a product that wins both in taste and brand purpose.
• Innovation Award, a product that impresses with an unexpected component.
• Classic Product Reimagined Award, a product that revivifies a traditional or go-to offering.
• Just Damn Good, a product that exceeds in taste.
• Best Packaging, a product with a beautiful design, and excellent taste to complement it.
Specialty food makers can submit their products on the company website by Monday, October 30. Winners will be announced January 3, 2024. A mix of industry leaders, Foxtrox employees, and previous Up & Comers will judge submissions.
Past winners include Omsom, Ujjo Hot Sauce, Balkin Bites, Momo Shack, Mama Teav’s, 12 Tides Snacks, and Mumgry Nut Butter.
Related: Meijer Expands Veteran Supplier Inclusion Efforts; EmergeCPG Webinar: 7-Day Mindset Training