• by Karlene Lukovitz  @KLmarketdaily, November 12, 2014

Chobani is creating a food incubator program to invest in and support the growth of start-up companies that mesh with its brand concept of offering "delicious, nutritious and affordable food" made with natural ingredients.

The six-month incubator program will be based in New York City, in office space that includes a commercial kitchen. The program will include classes and training with Chobani's leadership team, and interaction with chefs and food industry leaders.

Chobani will begin accepting pitches from interested entrepreneurs at a dedicated site in December, and select up to 10 start-up companies for the first round. The incubator program will culminate in a demo day during which each company will present its business concept to food distributors and retailers.

"We're opening our doors to entrepreneurs who share our vision for better food for tomorrow — food that's natural and affordable," said Chobani founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya.