Bimbo invites baking entrepreneurs to apply to mentorship program with focus on cookies, energy bars and artisanal products

Grupo Bimbo is inviting baking entrepreneurs to submit their cookies, snacks or artisanal baked products to be considered for the company’s Open Door mentorship program.

This second edition of the platform will focus on innovative startups and scaleups in the cookie and energy bar sector.

Interested participants may register from Sept. 20 through Oct. 6.

To be part of Bimbo Open Door, entrepreneurs must demonstrate that they have validated products, operations, or an expansion plan in America, from Canada to Argentina, and/or throughout Europe. They must also have annual sales of more than $250,000 and be available to be part of the program in Mexico for 12 weeks.

Startups and scaleups that align with Grupo Bimbo’s sustainability strategy will be prioritized. Proposals will be evaluated on their ability to promote products with simple recipes, nutritional diversity and/or plant-based ingredients and have a business model that supports the environment and the communities with which it is linked.

Interested parties can apply in one of three verticals during this second edition:

• Cookies and/or bars for children: products that offer nutritious and delicious options for the youngest consumers using innovative ingredients and technologies.
• Innovative snacks: cookies and/or bars with natural and/or unconventional ingredients, including avant-garde processes that support flavor preservation.
• Artisanal products and/or traditional recipes: cookies and/or bars that use new culinary techniques and creative presentations to preserve a familiar or “homemade” essence in every bite.

Raúl Obregón, chief transformation officer, said: “Through Bimbo Open Door, we seek to innovate and scale initiatives that allow us to continue surprising our consumers with products that satisfy their consumption habits. We are excited to connect with innovative entrepreneurs who, like us, are looking to nourish a better world.”

During the event, the selected participants will receive mentoring from Grupo Bimbo executive managers. They will also have access to the company’s global infrastructure while they develop a pilot project to present at a demonstration day where proposals will be analyzed before a forum of bakery executives.

The finalists will advance to the last stage of the program called “Behind the Door,” in which Grupo Bimbo will monitor each project and define opportunities for future collaboration.

The event’s first edition included participation from startups and scaleups including 4Buddies, LGT, Amarea, Yoy, Chasin Dreams Farm, Morama, Galmont Foods, Dyfferent, Come Verde, Trusnack and Confetti.

For more information, visit bimbo-opendoor.com.