Purchase, NY — Mexican-inspired snack company CHUZA is the winner of the eighth class of the Greenhouse Accelerator from PepsiCo. This marks the first-ever Juntos Crecemos (Together We Grow) edition of the program focused on supporting emerging Hispanic businesses across the food and beverage industry. The San Diego-based business produces an assortment of spicy fruit and vegetable snack offerings infused with Mexican spices and no artificial flavors or colors. CHUZA will receive a $100,000 grant and other resources to scale their operations and grow their business.
Founded by CEO Daniel Schwarz, CHUZA was chosen from 10 high-potential finalists by a committee of PepsiCo leaders for successfully expanding distribution to more than 500 retail locations and driving velocity growth for the company during the program, showcasing strong collaboration with PepsiCo. During the six-month accelerator program, the finalists received a $20,000 grant and personalized mentorship from R&D, Supply Chain, Design and other experts at PepsiCo to learn how to solve their direct business challenges, including brand development, go-to-market strategy and more. Visit the PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator: Juntos Crecemos Edition page to learn more about the ten finalists and their sustainable food and beverage business innovations.
“Selecting a winner was no easy task for the panel of judges because all ten finalists showcased strong advancements in their businesses over this six-month journey in the areas of brand development, product optimization, scaling technology, business model development, go-to-market strategy and more,” says Antonio Escalona, senior vice-president & general manager of Hispanic business unit, PepsiCo Foods North America. “CHUZA’s focus and commitment to elevating the snack segment, demonstrated throughout the entire process, inspires us to maintain that same entrepreneurial mindset at PepsiCo as we develop food and beverage solutions that deliver on flavor, function, health, convenience and sustainability.”
“It is truly an honor to be selected as the winner of the PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator: Juntos Crecemos Edition from such a talented pool of participants. Over the past six months, my business has experienced substantial expansion and efficiency, all thanks to the invaluable guidance and support provided by the PepsiCo mentors,” says CEO & founder Daniel Schwarz, of CHUZA. “Consumers crave authenticity and diverse snack flavors, so with the $100,000 grant, we plan to expand brand and marketing development to raise awareness of my products and continue sharing our flavors, culture and flair with the world.”
“In this year’s PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator: Juntos Crecemos Edition, we have witnessed ten exceptionally skilled Hispanic-owned businesses take innovation to the next level with PepsiCo’s mentorship and business resources,” says Esperanza Teasdale, vice-president & general manager of Hispanic Business Unit, PepsiCo Beverages North America. “We congratulate CHUZA, as well as all of the participants who demonstrated true leadership in advancing the future of the food and beverage industry.”
