Albertsons® Companies Opens Applications for 4th Annual Innovation Launchpad Competition

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Key Terms

direct-to-consumer financial

A direct-to-consumer (DTC) model is when a company sells its products or services straight to customers, skipping middlemen like retailers or wholesalers. For investors, DTC matters because it can mean higher profit margins, closer customer relationships and faster feedback—like a baker who sells directly from the shop instead of through a grocery chain—while also exposing the business to costs for marketing, customer support and logistics that affect growth and profitability.

influencer engagement technical

Influencer engagement measures how people respond to content from social media personalities who talk about a company, product, or brand — including likes, comments, shares, clicks and other interactions. For investors, high engagement is like a crowded storefront or good word‑of‑mouth: it can increase brand awareness, drive sales or customer acquisition, reveal marketing effectiveness, and serve as an early signal of momentum or reputational risk that may affect future revenue.

12/08/2025 - 12:00 PM

Emerging and innovative food, beverage and pet brands invited to compete for prizes valued at more than $400,000

BOISE, Idaho--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Albertsons® Companies, Inc. (NYSE: ACI) today launched its 4th Annual Albertsons Companies Innovation Launchpad Competition, inviting emerging and innovative brands in the food, beverage and pet categories to apply for the opportunity to showcase their products on a national stage. Selected finalists will present live at the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, Calif., on March 3.

“The Albertsons Innovation Launchpad Competition is a powerful platform for innovative brands to connect with our merchandising teams for an opportunity to reach millions of customers,” said Michelle Larson, EVP of Merchandising at Albertsons Cos. “Since its debut in 2022, the competition has attracted hundreds of passionate entrepreneurs, eager to bring new ideas to market. We’re proud to continue championing innovation and bring exciting, standout products to our customers.”

As part of the competition, 60 applicants will be chosen to present their brands to a panel of judges. The products should reflect areas such as functional beverage, hydration, low sugar or carb, protein solutions, fiber enhanced products, global flavors, healthy snacking and premium pet items. Companies with strong direct-to-consumer strategies and active influencer engagement are especially encouraged to apply.

The top three winners will receive prize packages valued at more than $400,000 total, including cash awards and industry services. Winning brands will also be considered for distribution in Albertsons Cos. banner stores including Albertsons, Safeway, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, ACME, Pavilions, United, Andronico’s, Kings Food Markets, Balducci's Market, Market Street and Haggen.

Last year’s competition drew over 600 applicants. The three grand prize winners were Daily Crunch, Supergut and Water Boy, receiving prizes valued at more than $300,000 total, including cash awards and industry services. In addition, Daily Crunch, a sprouted nut snack, is now available at 1,680 Albertsons Cos. stores nationwide.

Applications are being accepted now through Jan. 18, 2026. Learn more about the competition and apply here.

About Albertsons Companies

Albertsons Companies is a leading food and drug retailer in the United States. As of September 6, 2025, the Company operated 2,257 retail stores with 1,720 in-store pharmacies, 405 associated fuel centers, 22 dedicated distribution centers and 19 manufacturing facilities. The Company operates stores across 35 states and the District of Columbia under 22 well known banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, ACME, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, Carrs, Kings Food Markets and Balducci's Food Lovers Market. The Company is committed to helping people across the country live better lives by making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood. In 2024, along with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, the Company contributed more than $435 million in food and financial support, including more than $40 million through our Nourishing Neighbors Program to ensure those living in our communities and those impacted by disasters have enough to eat.

Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Haggen and Balducci's Food Lovers Market are registered trademarks of Albertsons Companies Inc. or its subsidiaries. ACME, Carrs, Kings Food Markets, Shaw's, and Star Market are trademarks of Albertsons Companies Inc. or its subsidiaries. Albertsons associated logos, product names and services are trademarks of Albertsons Companies, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.