As we approach the 2024 Grow-NY Summit this week, November 6th-7th, we’re excited to celebrate the global competition that fuels innovation in food, beverage, and agriculture. Grow-NY is dedicated to identifying and supporting groundbreaking ideas, awarding $3 million each year to seven winners—one grand prize of $1 million, two $500,000 awards, and four $250,000 awards—distributed based on business milestones.

A Commitment to New York’s Growth

Winning companies commit to making a positive impact in New York’s growing startup ecosystem, particularly in the Finger Lakes, Central NY, and Southern Tier regions. These areas, known as the Grow-NY Region, provide a rich foundation for agrifood startups to scale and make a difference.

Sweet Pea’s Role in the Grow-NY Community

As a proud 2022 Grow-NY finalist, Sweet Pea Kitchen continues to play an active role in this community. This year, our Chef and CEO, Ryan Jennings, will present a $250,000 award to one of the finalists, and we’ll be exhibiting our boutique co-packing capabilities—a unique opportunity to connect with other innovators and support the vision of a sustainable, accessible food system.

Insights on Innovation from Industry Leaders

Ahead of the summit, we’ve been diving deeper into the world of food and ag innovation through conversations with key figures. Jenn Smith, Director of Food and Ag Innovation at Cornell's Center for Regional Economic Advancement, joined Chef Ryan Jennings on our Shelling Peas podcast to discuss the competition’s transformative impact. Jenn provided valuable insights on mentorship, challenges facing small to mid-sized farms, and the role of innovation in regional economic development.

We also caught up with Maureen Ballatori, founder and CEO of Agency 29, who has been instrumental in Sweet Pea’s own Grow-NY journey. With a background rooted in New York’s agricultural sector, Maureen’s expertise in food and ag marketing has guided numerous companies, including Sweet Pea, through the Grow-NY process. Her passion for community, innovation, and strategic growth is helping shape New York’s agri-food landscape. 

Spotlight on This Year’s Finalists

It was an honor to talk to several of this year’s finalists, each bringing unique advancements to the industry. Be sure to check out our recent blog posts and podcast episodes to learn more about these inspiring companies:

• ClearLeaf is creating eco-friendly pesticide alternatives that protect crops without harming the environment. Based in Costa Rica and now expanding to New York, ClearLeaf exemplifies sustainable innovation reshaping agriculture.

• Ethan Holmes, CEO of Holmes Mouthwatering, transformed his family’s applesauce recipe into a premium product now sold in major retailers. Through Grow-NY, he’s expanding his impact, sourcing local apples and creating jobs within New York State.

• Meala FoodTech is advancing clean-label technology, replacing artificial binders in plant-based foods with natural ingredients. Their innovation addresses the growing demand for transparent, nutritious food.

Growing Together for a Better Food Future

As we connect with new innovators at this week’s summit, we’re excited to share our expanded co-packing capabilities and our new "delicious nutrition hubs"  launching this fall in Ithaca and Syracuse, where we’ll feature partner brands and bring convenient, nutritious options to more communities.

Stay tuned as we follow this year’s finalists and celebrate the game-changing ideas shaping our industry!