The Organization Reflects On Milestones and Prepares for Expanded Impact
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (January 8, 2025) – :INCLUDED, the nation’s largest collective of founders and CEOs of color in the food and beverage industry, commemorates its fifth year of empowering entrepreneurs with the publication of its first annual Impact Snapshot. Since its launch in spring 2020, :INCLUDED has driven unprecedented growth and amplification for its 500+ members in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector, delivering over $5 million in direct value through sponsorships to industry-leading trade shows and access to retail partnerships, international media, and industry tastemakers.
Formed by a group of founders to advocate for more diverse and inclusive representation in the CPG industry, :INCLUDED united a siloed nation of BIPOC makers, suppliers, service providers, and investors into one entrepreneurial community. With support from industry allies such as New Hope Network and Specialty Food Association, :INCLUDED has become an essential source of fellowship, knowledge equity, and growth opportunities that bridge the resource gap for founders of color.
“Reaching our fifth anniversary is a huge milestone, and we’re incredibly proud of our organic growth and forward progress,” says Jomaree Pinkard, founding member of :INCLUDED. “We’ve delivered transformative support to our members by opening doors often beyond reach for solo entrepreneurs and under-resourced teams, especially those new to the industry. Our members’ personal fulfillment and professional success propel our mission forward and inspire the next generation of resilient founders and legacy brands. We’re just getting started.”
Five Years of Impact: Highlights by the Numbers
- $5M+ in direct member value created through trade show partnerships and promotional support
- 150+ emerging entrepreneurs showcased in Natural Products Expo trade shows
- 70+ emerging entrepreneurs showcased at Specialty Food Association Fancy Food shows
- 2,500+ brand-to-buyer introductions generated by sponsored trade show exhibitions
- 100+ articles, television spots, and podcast features in national media outlets
Further, :INCLUDED members have collectively achieved 22 Naturally Network Regional Pitch Slam winners and finalists, 15 New Hope NEXTY Awards winners and finalists, and 10 Specialty Food Association sofi™ Award winners, among dozens more notable industry accolades.
As :INCLUDED looks to the future, it is expanding programs to offer more support to members as they navigate their entrepreneurial journey. From optimizing supply chains and product development to strategizing for wholesale distribution and exploring funding vehicles, the collective remains steadfast in its mission to prepare and promote BIPOC founders.
“We’re reframing the conversation around diversity and equity to focus on its power as a change catalyst for innovation, which generates industry-wide benefits,” states Victoria Ho, founding member of :INCLUDED. “Our community inherently reflects our nation’s rich and increasingly diverse fabric; but the products we bring to market also resonate with consumers on the level of shared values, wellness rituals and lifestyle choices. As CPG entrepreneurs, we recognize the importance of compounding connections to scale impact. We’re grateful to collaborate with leaders and allies who champion a culture of belonging. Together, we’re not just bringing exceptional founders of color to the table; we’re building a bigger table.”
For more information about :INCLUDED, visit www.includedcpg.com and follow :INCLUDED’s LinkedIn pa
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About :INCLUDED
:INCLUDED CPG, a 501(c)(6) nonprofit, is a diverse network of founders, industry leaders and social impact champions, united in the mission to advance access, equity and excellence in entrepreneurship for people of color in the food and beverage industry. They are passionately committed to amplifying BIPOC voices across the CPG ecosystem and advocating for more diverse and inclusive representation of BIPOC communities on the retail shelf. They equip founders with educational resources, advancement opportunities, peer support and essential fellowship to support their achievement of personal growth and sustainable professional success. They believe the collective impact of :INCLUDED’s mission will energize local economies, generate global innovation and inspire resilient leaders of tomorrow, ultimately shaping a more vibrant and inclusive American experience for all. Created by founders for founders, :INCLUDED was established in 2020 by Jomaree Pinkard (Managing Partner of On The Menu Ventures/Hella Cocktail Co.), Victoria Ho (CEO of Sherpa CPG, Co-Founder of Khalo), Ryan Pintado-Vertner (CEO of Smoketown), Nona Lim (former CEO of Nona Lim), Clara Paye (CEO of UNiTE Food), Sarah Wallace (former CEO of The Good Bean/Vitamin B), Chris Oates (CEO of Waju Water), and Richa Gupta (CEO of Good Food For Good). For more information, visit www.includedcpg.com and connect with the :INCLUDED LinkedIn page.
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