King Arthur partners with Project Potluck to elevate innovative bakers of color

Pitchfest 2024 is a competition and mentorship program supporting creative baking pros.

Courtesy of Project Potluck

King Arthur Baking Company is working with Project Potluck, a nonprofit empowering people of color (POC) to build successful careers in the consumer-packaged goods and food and beverage industries, on Baking Pitchfest 2024.

Baking Pitchfest is an accelerator program dedicated to championing innovative baking brands and providing equitable opportunities for POC entrepreneurs in the baking industry. The goal is to foster a vibrant community of passionate POC bakers and entrepreneurs who are brought together through this shared experience. The winning businesses will receive financial support, brand exposure, and mentorship to help accelerate their businesses. There are two distinct editions: one focused on bakeries and the other on baking products. This approach ensures that a wide range of creative minds in the baking world have an opportunity to shine. Finalists will come together in May to share their stories, pitch their ideas, and learn from esteemed members of the King Arthur Baking and Project Potluck teams.

“We look forward to welcoming applicants from across the baking world and witnessing the innovative products and business concepts that will shape the future of baking,” says Molly Lawrence, corporate social responsibility manager at King Arthur. “Pitchfest 2024 is a testament to King Arthur Baking's dedication to fostering a more inclusive baking community and empowering creative POC leaders in the industry.”

“We believe in the transformative power of diverse voices in shaping the future of the baking industry, says Kathleen Casanova, executive director of Project Potluck. “Baking Pitchfest 2024 is more than a competition; it's a platform for empowering People of Color to break barriers and redefine the narrative in baking. Through mentorship, competition, and community, we're fostering a space where innovation knows no bounds.”

Running January 2 through February 10, bakers and entrepreneurs are invited to submit their applications to participate in the inaugural Baking Pitchfest. To be eligible, individuals and businesses must be POC-led and members of Project Potluck. Becoming a Project Member is fast and easy; any person of color can click here to join. This commitment to inclusivity ensures that the event remains true to its core purpose of providing equitable opportunities. The Product edition is open to applicants nationwide, while the Bakery edition is open to bakeries located in Washington state and the Northeast (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont).

Jenni Spinner is the chief editor of Snack Food and Wholesale with more than 25 years of experience in business-to-business communications. She has written extensively about food production, safety and packaging; pharmaceutical drug development; concrete and masonry construction; and more. She holds a Bachelor’s in Communications from the University of Illinois. Jenni can be reached at spinnerj@bnpmedia.com.

This webinar will examine variables factoring into nutritionally improved candy sales, including ingredients, label claims, and alternative sugars. Better-for-you options remain top of mind for consumers who are searching for indulgences, but in a healthier format.