Grand prize winner will be awarded shelf space at Albertsons’ Broadway store
BOISE, Idaho; July 26, 2022 –– Boise Entrepreneur Week is inviting food entrepreneurs to register for
its annual Trailmix competition, taking place in Boise from Oct. 24-28, 2022.
Over the last four years, Trailmix has awarded more than $75,000 to food product startups. This year’s
event will be held in person and past local winners include Boise-based Erth Beverage Company,
which creates honey-sweetened beverages using organic herbs, fruits and botanicals.
“Being part of the Trailmix competition was absolutely amazing,” said Samantha Chaffin-Benson, co-
owner of Erth Beverage Company. “It facilitated many priceless relationships, increased our visibility
within our community, and set us up for retail success. We are incredibly grateful to have
participated.”
The Trailmix pitch competition helps food and beverage startups take their products from the farmers
market to the supermarket. Applicants compete for a chance at winning $50,000 in prize money and
shelf space at Albertsons’ Broadway store, with the potential for expansion into other regional stores if
sales are strong. $10,000 will be awarded to the runner-up.
Judging criteria includes innovation, market traction, taste, shelf readiness for large retail, ingredients
and the unique value proposition of the food product. For applicants to be considered for the event,
they cannot be a current vendor or be in the process of becoming a vendor with Albertsons.
Trailmix applications are being accepted online at boiseentrepreneurweek.org until September 9, 2022
by midnight MST. The screening process will result in five finalists who will be paired with industry
mentors to prepare for their final pitch.
Food companies that are not chosen to pitch will be invited to participate in Boise Entrepreneur
Week’s Food Expo, taking place on October 27, 2022 from 3-5 p.m. in Boise. This year’s event is
anticipated to attract more than 6,000 food enthusiasts, entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Trailmix is made possible through Presenting Sponsor Albertsons. Boise Entrepreneur Week is
supported by Title Sponsor Idaho STEM Action Center; Platinum Sponsors Alturas Capital, Scoggin
Capital Investments, Zions Bank; and Gold Sponsors Perkins Coie and Vynyl.
This article was created as a collaboration between Boise Entrepreneur Week, Built in Idaho and Trailhead.
