Mondelez names finalists in Shoppers Futures program

DEERFIELD - Mondelez International announced the eight startups selected to participate in the company's Shopper Futures program.

Shopper Futures, Mondelez International's innovation initiative, brings together retailers, entrepreneurs, and its power brands to help transform the consumer retail experience.

The company received hundreds of applications from startups across the U.S. and Canada. After an evaluation process, 18 startups were invited to a Pitch Day to present and meet with participating retailers and brand intrapreneurs. The eight selected startups will now work with major retailers in collaboration with Mondelēz International brands to bring in-market pilots to life over the next 90 days.

Those collaborations are:

• Sampler collaborating with Albertsons & Ritz brand, U.S.

• Shelfbucks collaborating with Meijer & Oreo brand, U.S.

• Shelfbucks collaborating with Wakefern & Halls brand, U.S.

• Freckle IoT collaborating with 7-Eleven & Oreo/belVita brands, U.S.

• Strap collaborating with Kum & Go & Trident brand, U.S.

• Turnstyle Solutions collaborating with QuickChek & Swedish Fish brand, U.S.

• Turnstyle Solutions collaborating with Mac's Convenience Stores (Ontario Division) & Cadbury brand, Canada

• Aislelabs collaborating with Metro & Tricuit brand, Canada

• Earshot collaborating with 7-Eleven Canada & Dentyne brand, Canada

• Aisle411 collaborating with Halls brand, Canada

"We're thrilled to be working with some of the most ambitious entrepreneurs and retailers across North America, to help shape the future of retail both in-store and online," said Kim Yansen, director of field shopper marketing. "The caliber of participating startups is truly incredible. Through our 90-day collaboration process, we're looking forward to putting real solutions in market to solve pressing retail challenges and help unlock growth for our retailers and categories."

Shopper Futures is the fourth global iteration in the Futures series, building on the success of Mobile Futures, a Mondelez International initiative launched in 2012 that paired its brands with select startups to accelerate existing mobile innovations and incubate new ventures.