AccelFoods Partners with JetBlue

NEW YORK, Oct. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The company laying the foundation for revolutionary food and beverage startups, AccelFoods, today announces new partnership plans with the forward-thinking airline, JetBlue.  The partnership will provide JetBlue customers with an exclusive taste from the AccelFoods lineup of brands.  Kicking off the program this month, JetBlue will host a two-day interactive exhibit to showcase the brands. In 2015, select flights will feature an AccelFoods curated sampler box featuring products from its portfolio companies.

The innovation event takes place on October 8 and 9 in JetBlue's Terminal 5 at JFK Airport in New York, where the AccelFoods portfolio companies will sample their products on the same stage that has been graced by artists such as Taylor Swift, Ellie Goulding, Chris Isaak, and many more.

The inflight portion of the partnership takes form in an innovation box available to customers traveling via both the JetBlue Mint and Core Experiences.  A rotating roster of AccelFoods brands will be featured on a monthly basis to introduce travelers to members of their portfolio. Launching in 2015, the boxes will be available on JetBlue's A321 aircraft flying between JFK and LAX.

Twice a year, AccelFoods selects four trailblazing food startups to join its platform, providing them with funding, mentorship, resources from over 25 strategic partners, and engaged support from an operating team. Launched in 2014, AccelFoods is currently working with their second "class" of startups. The current class will share the stage with AccelFoods alumni this month, as all eight companies showcase their next-level products to JetBlue customers. The AccelFoods roster includes Cocomels, Evoke Healthy Foods, EXO, Four Sigma Foods, Iconic, Jaali Bean, Kolat, and Whynatte.  

"Our initiative with JetBlue provides great exposure for the entire AccelFoods portfolio, and is a unique opportunity for our brands to engage with consumers in a way that they have never done before," said AccelFoods Managing Partner Jordan Gaspar. "JetBlue has been a tremendous partner for AccelFoods; offering our products at the Terminal 5 event and onboard demonstrates JetBlue's commitment to offering their travelers the most innovative new food and beverage products coming to market," added Gaspar.

T5 opened in 2008, and has lightning speed Wi-Fi, 36 innovative restaurants/cafes, and 29 retail shops.  Frommer's Travel called JetBlue's Terminal 5 one of "the world's most beautiful airport terminals", and AccelFoods is thrilled to showcase its brands in such an amazing and innovative space.

JetBlue's Jamie Perry said of the partnership with AccelFoods and the Innovation Days at JFK: "We have always taken great pride in JetBlue's commitment to innovation for our customers and our growing relationship with AccelFoods represents just that. The opportunity to showcase the AccelFoods portfolio companies in our flagship T5 terminal and onboard is exactly the type of event that keeps our consumers excited by what can sometimes be a challenging travel experience. We are excited that our relationship with AccelFoods continues to grow big."

To top off the partnership, JetBlue will co-host the AccelFoods Demo Day on December 3rd.

About JetBlue Airways
JetBlue is New York's Hometown Airline™ and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, Los Angeles (Long Beach), Orlando and San Juan. JetBlue carries more than 30 million customers a year to 86 cities in the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America with an average of 850 daily flights. New service to Curacao begins in December. With JetBlue, all seats are assigned, all fares are one-way, an overnight stay is never required and the first bag is included with your standard fare (subject to weight and size limits and exceptions for itineraries including flights marketed or operated by other airlines). For more information please visit JetBlue.com.

About AccelFoods
AccelFoods is a national packaged food and beverage accelerator with a dedicated investment fund. It offers entrepreneurs funding, engaged support from an operating team, experienced mentors and corporate partners for a period of 5 months. For a full list of AccelFoods' mentors and strategic partners, and to keep track of its portfolio companies, visit the AccelFoods website at http://www.accelfoods.com.

CONTACT: Amy Graden, [email protected], 310-734-7834

SOURCE AccelFoods