AUSTIN, TEXAS — SKU, an accelerator program for consumer-packaged goods (CPG) industries, has announced seven brands selected for its Spring ‘24 Track. Included in its latest track is pet wellness brand Wellnergy Pets.

“We are thrilled to unveil our latest lineup of brands, each carefully selected from a pool of over a hundred applications,” said SKU Executive Director Buff Greebe. “What sets these brands apart is not only their innovative products but also the undeniable passion that emanates from their founders. Its this combination of ingenuity and dedication that captured our attention and ultimately secured their spot in our curated SKU Spring 2024 track.”

Other brands included in the spring cohort alongside Wellnergy Pets are Curation Beverage Co., Heather’s Choice, I Love Micheladas, Kelsi’s Kitchen, Ohh Foods and Sanara.

The 12-week program kicks off March 5. During the spring program, SKU will present the brands with a customized curriculum focused on the entire CPG ecosystem, advanced operations support, and access to funding. SKU’s curriculum covers key topics including operations, channel strategy, innovation, supply chain and fundraising.

The brands will also have access to mentors — a team of industry leaders, successful brand leaders and investment professionals. Mentors include people who have held leadership roles at companies such as 7-Eleven, the Hershey Co. and Pepsico.

“I’m most excited about the opportunity to connect and collaborate with visionary founders and industry experts, sharing our knowledge to disrupt categories, reshaping the retail landscape by fulfilling emerging consumer needs,” said mentor and sales expert Katie DeVito, senior director of sales overseeing the Natural and Specialty Channels at Orgain. 

The founders and mentors will celebrate the culmination of the track with a Showcase Pitch event in Austin on May 21.

In 2023, SKU developed a pet care specific track to support the growing pet industry. The cohort included pet nutrition brands D.R.E.A.M. Pet Food and 5 Element Food Therapy, as well as pet care companies Innovative Pet Lab and Pupsentials. Prior to developing its pet care specific track, SKU previously worked with several pet industry brands including Homescape Pets, Springer, A Pup Above, Dog Threads and Pridebite.

Wellnergy Pets was created by veterinarian Zonram Liao. The brand offers preventive and supportive care products including supplements for a range of dietary and health needs, like hip and joint care, skin care, dental care and gastrointestinal care.

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