Chobani looks to Boulder to recruit for food incubator

BOULDER — Chobani is recruiting for the second class of its food incubator, and the Greek yogurt manufacturer is paying special attention to Boulder when it comes to recruiting.

“Once we started spending time planning our promotion for the next class, Boulder was at the top of our list,” said Jackie Miller, director of the Chobani Food Incubator. “There are so many great brands and great founder stories, and the natural-food movement there goes back so far.”

To recruit for its incubator, Chobani partnered with Naturally Boulder to hold a happy hour on May 18.

The incubator stems from founder Hamdi Ulukaya’s desire to spread natural food.

“We want to pay it forward to the next-generation food entrepreneur,” Miller said.

The program launched in October, and gives $25,000 to companies it selects to join, without taking any equity from them.

The six-month program is a mix of meeting online and in-person, she said. No one is required to relocate, and travel expenses are covered by Chobani.

“It was amazing and one of the best things that ever happened to our company,” said Ann Yang, co-founder of D.C.-based MISFIT Juicery, which participated in the first class. “The best of the best work at Chobani, and they’re some of the most knowledgeable people in the industry.”

All early-stage food startups from across the country are encouraged to apply, and applications are rolling.

In addition to recruiting in Boulder, Chobani is having events in New York and the Bay Area to promote the incubator.

“We’re trying to spread the word as far and wide as we can,” Miller said. “We know there are exciting and interesting food startup hubs, and Boulder is one of the most developed.”

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