#67 Leveraging Mondelēz International's CoLab Program to Grow Bunny James Boxes

What could you learn from one of the largest snack companies in the world? Lonny James Ruben from Bunny James Boxes got to learn just that this year as a member of the 2022 CoLab cohort. Bunny James Boxes make gift boxes for people with specialty diets, allergies, and eating styles. And they provide this niche gifting solution for individuals, businesses, and retailers. They were already on a fast path to growth when Lonny decided to apply for Mondelēz International’s CoLab program. With iconic brands like Oreo, Cadbury, belVita, and Wheat Thins, Mondelēz International holds the #1 global position in biscuits (cookies and crackers) and #2 in chocolate. They’ve also acquired a few fast growing brands you probably recognize like Hu, Perfect Bar, and Tate’s Bake Shop in the last few years. Brands selected for their CoLab cohort get access to a 12 week program, a $20,000 grant, 1:1 mentoring, and so much more, which you’ll hear about in this episode. It’s one things for me to tell you about the program, but it’s another to really dig into an alumnus experience, so that’s what we’re going to do today.

Listen in to learn:

• Why Lonny founded Bunny James Boxes and pivoted from vending machines
• Why he applied to the CoLab program and why it exceeded all his expectations
• What it was like to be in the program and how he leveraged Mondelēz International’s resources to help grow Bunny James Boxes
• Tips for applying to the next cohort of CoLab
• And more!

This episode was sponsored by Mondelēz International - applications for the 2023 SnackFutures CoLab program are open now! Go to applycolab.com

Episode Links:

• Bunny James Boxes website
• Lonny’s LinkedIn
• Apply for the 2023 CoLab cohort here (open as of 9/20/22)
• Mondelēz International website
• SnackFutures website
• Podcast episode #54 sharing the CoLab experience of alumni Pan's Mushroom Jerky and GoNanas
• Podcast episode with the Mondelēz International team about CoLab

Show Links:

• Join the Startup CPG Slack community (9K+ members and growing!)
• Follow @startupcpg
• Visit host Jessi's Linkedin or website
• Questions or comments about the episode? Email Jessi at jessi@startupcpg.com