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PepsiCo has announced ¡Ya Oaxaca!, a culinary brand specialising in artisanal Mexican mole sauces, adobos and salsas, as the recipient of the $100,000 grand prize from its 2024 Greenhouse Accelerator: Juntos Crecemos Edition.

The Greenhouse Accelerator aims to support emerging consumer packaged goods companies that celebrate Hispanic flavors while promoting sustainability.

The announcement follows a rigorous five-month mentorship programme designed to help finalists enhance their business operations.

¡Ya Oaxaca!, founded by chef Susana Trilling and her family, was selected from eight finalists based on its impressive growth metrics, including a 350% increase in revenue and a 200% expansion in retail distribution.

Antonio Escalona, senior vice president of emerging business for PepsiCo Foods North America, said: “It inspires me to see how all eight finalists leveraged the resources and PepsiCo mentorship to elevate their businesses.” The mentorship included tailored coaching from PepsiCo experts in areas such as research and development, supply chain management and marketing strategies.

Since its launch in North America in 2018, the PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator has focused on addressing key challenges within the food and beverage industry, including sustainability and consumer demand for diverse flavours.

This year's Juntos Crecemos Edition specifically targets brands inspired by Hispanic culinary traditions, aligning with broader industry trends towards authenticity and cultural representation.

¡Ya Oaxaca! plans to use the grant to further its mission of sharing the rich flavours of Oaxaca, enhancing its product line and operational capabilities.

Co-founder Azul Couzens expressed his gratitude, adding: “This programme and the mentorship of the PepsiCo team have been invaluable in supporting our business objectives”.