AccelFoods partners with high-growth companies and offers their driven founders the industry access, expertise, and infrastructure to bring unique products and go-to-market strategies to consumers. The company connects the dots within the broader food and beverage ecosystem to offer emerging companies the resources needed to create the next generation of enduring brands. AccelFoods was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

AccelFoods

Monogram Capital Partners is a private equity investment firm focused exclusively on consumer and retail companies. The partners have invested more than $1.4 billion of equity capital primarily in consumer and retail businesses. Leveraging best practices and relationships from leading institutions, bring elite investing and advisory experience to the lower middle market. In partnership with management teams, the firm focuses on developing the next generation of category leaders by providing flexible capital, deep domain knowledge, and access to transformative industry relationships.

Monogram Capital Partners

Emil Capital is an entrepreneurial, private investment company based in Greenwich, Connecticut. We seek out companies whose products or services connect with the New American Consumer, and whose execution fosters consistently superior customer experiences.

Emil Capital Partners

Kidfresh

Kidfresh creates all-natural kids’ meals it provides top nutrition with no artificial colors or flavors to kids. Kidfresh is now offering a line of six healthy kids’ meals all-natural, frozen meals for kids sold in the US at retailers such as Whole Foods, Shaws, ShopRite, and a growing list of other supermarkets. The company was founded in 2016 and headquartered in New York, United States.

Kidfresh is a leading brand of frozen kids' meals that incorporate hidden vegetables into every bite. Founded by Matt Cohen, the company originated as a retail store in New York City before transitioning to a wholesale frozen food business. Kidfresh offers a range of kid-friendly meals including macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets, pasta dishes, and meatballs, all of which contain pureed vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, and sweet potatoes. The brand focuses on using high-quality, premium ingredients without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Kidfresh meals are designed to provide a balance of protein and carbohydrates, with over 13g of protein per serving. As of May 2024, Kidfresh expanded its product line to include Easy Combo Meals, featuring combinations like Chicken Meatballs &amp; Pasta Marinara and White Meat Chicken Nuggets &amp; Buttered Pasta. The company's products are frozen immediately after cooking to preserve nutrients and flavors. Kidfresh has established itself as a leader in the better-for-you frozen kids' meal category, with a focus on providing convenient, nutritious options for busy parents.

KIDFRESH INTRODUCES FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND EASY COMBO MEALS TO PREVENT MEALTIME MELTDOWNS

Review: Kidfresh Frozen Kids Meals Are Healthy & Delicious

EP047 – Matt Cohen, Co

Convenience Foods

KIDFRESH EXPANDS INTERNATIONALLY WITH LAUNCH IN CANADA

Kidfresh is a leading brand of frozen kids' meals that incorporate hidden vegetables into every bite. Founded by Matt Cohen, the company originated as a retail store in New York City before transitioning to a wholesale frozen food business. Kidfresh offers a range of kid-friendly meals including macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets, pasta dishes, and meatballs, all of which contain pureed vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, and sweet potatoes. The brand focuses on using high-quality, premium ingredients without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Kidfresh meals are designed to provide a balance of protein and carbohydrates, with over 13g of protein per serving. As of May 2024, Kidfresh expanded its product line to include Easy Combo Meals, featuring combinations like Chicken Meatballs & Pasta Marinara and White Meat Chicken Nuggets & Buttered Pasta. The company's products are frozen immediately after cooking to preserve nutrients and flavors. Kidfresh has established itself as a leader in the better-for-you frozen kids' meal category, with a focus on providing convenient, nutritious options for busy parents.
Key customers and partnerships
Kidfresh products are available nationwide in the US and in Canada as of May 2024. The brand is carried by major retailers including Target, Publix, HEB, Wegmans, FreshDirect, Walmart, Kroger banners, and Whole Foods. Kidfresh has also partnered with various organizations in the past, including providing branded catering for FAO Schwarz and Build-A-Bear stores in New York. The company has expanded its distribution channels over time, including placing refrigerated kiosks at JFK airport terminals for JetBlue and American Airlines to offer travel lunchboxes for kids.

Wholly Veggie is a Canadian plant-based food company founded in 2017 by John Bonnell and David Gaucher, two former executives from the organic meat industry. The company specializes in producing vegetable-forward frozen foods, including appetizers, snacks, and entrees. Wholly Veggie's product line features items such as cauliflower wings, mozzarella-style sticks, sweet potato popcorn, and various plant-based meals. The brand aims to make vegetables fun, delicious, and accessible while promoting healthier and more sustainable eating habits.
Wholly Veggie's products are made with simple, whole food ingredients and are free from additives, preservatives, gluten, and soy. The company uses vegetables as the main ingredients in its products, focusing on cauliflower, sweet potatoes, and other nutrient-rich vegetables. In 2021, Wholly Veggie partnered with Outcast Foods to incorporate upcycled cauliflower powder sourced from imperfect produce into their product line, demonstrating a commitment to reducing food waste.
The brand has experienced significant growth since its inception. As of 2023, Wholly Veggie products were available in over 6,000 retail outlets across North America, including major chains such as Target, Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, Walmart, and Loblaws. In 2021, the company saw a surge in popularity following the launch of its cauliflower wings and expansion into 1,200 Target locations in the US.
Key customers and partnerships
Wholly Veggie has successfully expanded its presence in major retail chains across North America. As of 2023, the company's products were available in over 6,000 stores, including Target, Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, Walmart, and Loblaws. In October 2022, Wholly Veggie announced the distribution of its award-winning Mozzarella Style Cheese Sticks at 705 Target locations, further expanding its reach in the US market.
In 2021, Wholly Veggie partnered with Outcast Foods, a sustainable food tech innovator, to launch mozzarella and jalapeno cheddar sticks featuring a patented upcycled cauliflower crust. This collaboration demonstrates the company's commitment to sustainability and reducing food waste in its production processes.

Wholly Veggie

Gardein is a plant-based food company that specializes in creating meat alternatives. Founded in 2003 by Canadian chef Yves Potvin, Gardein offers a diverse range of products designed to mimic the taste and texture of various meats. The company's product line includes plant-based versions of chicken, beef, pork, fish, and more. Gardein's products are made from a blend of non-GMO soy, wheat, pea proteins, and other plant-based ingredients. The brand aims to provide sustainable and compassionate food choices without sacrificing taste.
Gardein's product offerings are extensive, ranging from crispy tenders and mandarin orange crispy chick'n to fishless filets and plant-based jerky. The company also produces breakfast sausages, meatballs, and even canned soups and chilis. Many of Gardein's products are frozen for convenience, but they also offer refrigerated and shelf-stable options. In 2019, Gardein expanded its line with 11 new frozen meals, including spicy and maple patties and breakfast bowls.
The company has positioned itself as a leader in the plant-based protein market, with its products available in major retailers across North America. In 2018, Conagra Brands acquired Gardein as part of its USD 10.9 billion purchase of Pinnacle Foods. Following this acquisition, Conagra saw potential for significant growth in the plant-based sector, with CEO Sean Connolly estimating a USD 30 billion opportunity for Gardein in the US alone.
Gardein has continued to innovate, launching new products to compete in the evolving plant-based market. In January 2020, the company introduced its Ultimate Plant-Based Burger, made from pea protein, to compete with other popular plant-based burgers. Gardein has also developed products in the plant-based hot dog and sausage categories.

Gardein

Strong Roots is a plant-based frozen food company founded in 2015 by Samuel Dennigan in Ireland. The company offers a range of vegetable-forward products including cauliflower hash browns, mixed root vegetable fries, veggie burgers, and bites. Strong Roots has positioned itself as a challenger brand aiming to "fix the freezer aisle" by providing convenient, healthy, and sustainable plant-based options. The company's products are made with simple, whole plant ingredients and are free from artificial additives. Strong Roots has expanded rapidly since its founding, with its products now available in over 10,000 stores across multiple countries including Ireland, the UK, US, Australia, and parts of Europe and Asia. In 2020, Strong Roots became a certified B Corporation, demonstrating its commitment to environmental and social responsibility. The company introduced carbon footprint labeling on its packaging in 2022, allowing consumers to easily understand the climate impact of its products. In December 2022, Strong Roots expanded into the single-serve frozen entree category with a new line of 14 plant-based meals. In April 2024, Canadian frozen food giant McCain Foods acquired Strong Roots for an undisclosed sum, building on its initial USD 55 million investment for a minority stake in 2021. Following the acquisition, Strong Roots continues to operate as a distinct business unit within McCain, with plans to scale the brand globally and expand into more regions.

Strong Roots

Happi Foodi is a frozen food company based in Nutley, New Jersey, that specializes in developing and commercializing a diverse portfolio of chef-inspired frozen meals and products. Founded in 2018, the company offers a range of breakfasts, appetizers, entrees, pizzas, and veggie side dishes available nationwide. Happi Foodi's product line includes ready-to-heat meals, keto bowls, and veggie sides, focusing on providing convenient, flavorful, and nutrient-rich meal solutions. The company's mission is to make chef-inspired eating accessible and convenient for consumers to enjoy from home or on-the-go.
Happi Foodi's products are designed to support a health-forward lifestyle while delivering on the brand's promise of "Indulgence Without Compromise." The company aims to offer high-quality, affordable meal options that cater to various dietary preferences. In addition to its proprietary Happi Foodi label, the company has expanded its portfolio through partnerships and brand-building initiatives. For example, Happi Foodi has a partnership with Barstool Sports' One Bite Pizza, further diversifying its product offerings.
Happi Foodi's products are available in retail stores, with the company mentioning that its items can be found at Walmart. The company's focus on convenience, affordability, and health-conscious options suggests that it caters to a broad range of consumers looking for quick and nutritious meal solutions.
Key customers and partnerships
Happi Foodi has established partnerships with various organizations to support its mission and expand its reach. In December 2020, the company announced a year-long partnership with professional golfer Danielle Kang, pledging to donate USD 100,000 worth of meals to local food banks of Kang's choosing. The first donation benefited Three Square Food Bank in Southern Nevada.
In March 2022, Maruha Nichiro Corporation, a major Japanese seafood producer and distributor, invested in Happi Foodi. This investment was based on Maruha Nichiro's strategy to form a capital and business alliance with an experienced partner in frozen food manufacturing and sales in North America.

Happi Foodi

Saffron Road is a leading American food company specializing in world cuisine frozen entrees, shelf-stable meals, simmer sauces, and snacks. Founded in 2009 in Stamford, Connecticut, the company has positioned itself as a provider of premium, better-for-you halal food products. Saffron Road's offerings are inspired by global cuisines, including Indian, Thai, Mexican, and Middle Eastern flavors. The company's products are available in over 25,000 stores across the US, including major retailers such as Walmart, Kroger, Whole Foods Market, Target, Publix, and Wegmans.
Saffron Road prides itself on using high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients in its products. All of its offerings are halal-certified, and most are also gluten-free and Non-GMO Project Verified. The company never uses antibiotics, artificial ingredients, GMOs, or protein isolates in its products. Saffron Road's commitment to quality extends to its meat sourcing, using only 100% vegetarian-fed and humanely raised animals.
The company has experienced significant growth since its inception. As of July 2023, Saffron Road's annual sales were approaching USD 65 million. Its product line has expanded to include over 50 items, ranging from frozen entrees and shelf-stable meal pouches to simmer sauces and organic crunchy chickpea snacks. Some of Saffron Road's most popular frozen entrees include Chicken Tikka Masala, Chicken Pad Thai, and Chicken Biryani.
Saffron Road has also been innovative in its approach to sustainability. The company uses pouches instead of glass containers for its simmer sauces, reducing energy use in transportation by over 30% and decreasing its overall carbon footprint by 70%.
Key customers and partnerships
Saffron Road has established strong partnerships with major retailers across the US. The company's products are sold in over 25,000 stores nationwide, including Walmart, Kroger, Whole Foods Market, Target, Publix, Wegmans, and Costco.
Whole Foods Market played a crucial role in Saffron Road's early success, being the first national retailer to carry the brand in 2010. This partnership helped Saffron Road reach a broader audience beyond the Muslim community, appealing to health-conscious consumers and those interested in global cuisines.
In June 2023, Saffron Road expanded its retail presence by launching its products in 2,700 Walmart stores, further solidifying its position in the mainstream market. The company has also partnered with Amazon to offer direct-to-consumer sales through its website.

Saffron Road

Creating snack products optimized for air fryers, ensuring even cooking and maintaining taste and texture when air-fried

Enhancing snack texture to achieve a satisfying, crunchy bite, elevating the sensory appeal of snacking experiences

Frozen meals that preserve fresh-like quality, maintaining taste and texture as if freshly made

Fully cooked meals or meal kits that are quick and easy to prepare, reducing preparation time and effort

Fully cooked meals that require no refrigeration and can be easily prepared by microwaving

Companies in this hub deals with providing meals that align with specific dietary requirements/preferences of customers

Kidfresh

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