All-natural cookie maker Soozie’s Doozies has been named the grand prize winner of the 2016 Food Innovation Challenge, and will receive $50,000 in seed funding from ADM and $50,000 in services from National Foodworks Services (NFS).

Soozie's Doozies wins

All-natural cookie maker Soozie’s Doozies has been named the grand prize winner of the 2016 Food Innovation Challenge. Owners Olivia Kelvin and Robert Stanton will receive $50,000 in seed funding from ADM and $50,000 in services from National Foodworks Services (NFS), along with other prizes, all designed to help advance their food innovation.

“It’s tough being an entrepreneur, and sometimes you just want to quit. But tonight makes it all worthwhile. We couldn’t be more excited for the future of Soozie’s Doozies,” Stanton said.

Soozie’s Doozies received support from mentors Jon Seighman, senior director food applications, ADM’s WILD Flavors and Specialty Ingredients business unit; and John Wellehan, managing director, Good Food Business Accelerator to help refine their product business plan.

Kathy’s Kitchen of Virginia, Illinois, and Sweet Freedom Gluten Free Bakery of New Hampton, Iowa, were named the second and third place winners, respectively.

“The calibre of contestants we saw in the first year of this contest was truly impressive, and it’s a great reflection of the fantastic food innovation small entrepreneurs can bring to the table,” said Vince Macciocchi, president of ADM’s WILD Flavors and Specialty Ingredients business unit. “This challenge has been a great way to foster growth in new industry talent and build relationships with future food innovators. We congratulate all of the winners and look forward to seeing them prosper in the future.”

“All of the ten semi-finalists were really winners here because throughout this process, they gained access to top talent in the food industry and a great deal of insight to help grow their businesses,” said Tony Caccomo, managing partner, NFS.

The Food Innovation Challenge is a start-up competition for aspiring US Midwest cash entrepreneurs to showcase their new or early stage food business and product ideas.