Start-up opportunities from SIG’s Sigcubator

Interested start-ups can apply now at no cost via sigcubator.com until 28 February 2022.

This is the fourth time SIG has opened-up its Sigcubator accelerator programme to forward-thinking food and drink start-ups and small businesses, eager to partner with SIG at no cost or obligation, to help launch their products. It is these small entrepreneurial start-ups who are increasingly driving industry innovation and value creation. However, many don’t have the volume to produce big batches with co-packers or the expertise and financial ability to invest in their own production plant. This is where SIG can offer an incredible opportunity.

Vandana Tandan, country manager, SIG India, said, “The Sigcubator programme is testament to SIG's focus on continued innovation, and through it, we have been a part of the success journeys of several groundbreaking startups. India's growing market, massive customer base, and changing customer choices have been the driving force behind its flourishing startup sector in the country. As such, Sigcubator offers a particularly lucrative opportunity for small and medium businesses to receive the guidance and backing of SIG's proven knowhow and experience in the industry. With the goal of nurturing and encouraging entrepreneurship defined by sustainability, differentiation, and value creation, we invite applications and look forward to working with small companies, start-ups, and entrepreneurs that match our vision."

One start-up business who applied to SIG’s Sigcubator programme in an earlier round is The Good Pea Co based in the UK, who was sponsored by SIG to have its pea-based milks test-filled in SIG’s unique carton bottle combidome 1,000-ml at co-packer Framptons. Framptons will now be the co-manufacturer of The Good Pea Co, as the company gets ready to launch its two new SKUs: Original and Barista.

Suhani Bhudia, co-founder of The Good Pea Co, said, “Thanks to SIG and the huge support from its Sigcubator programme, especially the initial cost-free test filling in SIG’s combidome carton bottle, we are now ready to launch our two new healthy and sustainable plant drinks to market with co-packer Framptons. SIG’s sponsorship will enable us to produce samples for potential retailer listings and boost brand awareness at vegan festivals and pop ups. Sigcubator has been a game changer for us, as we went from cooking up pea recipes in our own kitchens at home to launching our first commercially scalable products with Framptons.”

Sigcubator takes innovative start-up ideas on a ‘consumer-centric’ journey, from testing prototypes in SIG’s test centre in Germany, through to a successful launch to market. SIG is there to help at every step, giving expert advice, consumer-focused insights, and access to its extensive global network within the food and beverage industry.

Anna Rabanus, global category manager, SIG, “The team at SIG is excited to begin 2022 by offering more start-ups invaluable help with getting their innovative product ideas to market. It’s been incredible to see how our Sigcubator programme has helped small companies over the past three years.”

SIG partnering with start-ups and co-manufacturers brings opportunities to all three parties: SIG’s expertise, filling capabilities, and industry network help talented start-ups launch innovative concepts, which can then be commercially filled at one of SIG’s co-packing partners. This creates space for further innovation to assure a speedy launch to market. For co-packers, such partnerships help them enter and experience new and attractive beverage categories and grow these innovative segments in the future. For SIG, working together with forward-thinking food and beverage start-ups is key to driving innovation and value creation.