Albertsons Innovation Launchpad FAQ

What is Albertsons Innovation Launchpad?

Albertsons Innovation LaunchPad is an event held in conjunction with Natural Products EXPO West, that will bring 50 brands forward to compete for cash prizes, industry services and recognition.  The event will provide visibility for these innovative brands across the Albertsons organization.  Judges are representatives from Business Ventures, the National Merchandising Team, Southern California Division, Specialty Divisions (Haggen, Pavilions, Andronico’s, Market Street, Kings and Balducci’s) KeHE and Whipstitch Capital.  Importantly, Albertsons stores and our shoppers win by gaining early access to great new products.  

Why is Albertsons having an Innovation Launchpad event?

We believe that supporting the Natural Products community of innovative products is good for our stores and shoppers.   We designed this event to connect various parts of our organization directly to these brands.  This may enable great new products to make it into our Specialty Divisions and ultimately all of our banners more quickly.   If feasible, we may pursue strategic partnerships with a select few.  We hope to see the best of the best at this event.  

How does the Albertsons Innovation Launchpad submission process work?

Albertsons is using RangeMe for the online application process and to review product submissions for Innovation Launchpad, Albertsons Innovation Launchpad pitch event at Natural Products EXPO West. 

Applications open on Monday January 6th and will remain open through Sunday January 19th.  If your submission is selected on RangeMe, you will be notified by Monday Friday, January 31,  2025 and invited to present your products to Albertsons Innovation Launchpad Judging team on March 4, 2025.  Submitting is a commitment to attend Albertsons Innovation Launchpad competition, if selected.

What is RangeMe? 

RangeMe is an online platform that streamlines product discovery, sampling and sourcing between suppliers and retailers. Albertsons will be able to review all your submitted information via RangeMe. 

For applicants without a RangeMe Account (“New Applicants”), there is no fee to establish a free subscription tier account and apply. 

For RangeMe Account users already on the free subscription tier (“Existing Applicants”), submitting your application to Albertsons Innovation Launchpad event requires a paid subscription with RangeMe granting access to various features, including the Albertsons Innovation Launchpad Application. For more information please visit www.rangeme.com

Do I have to exhibit at Natural Products EXPO West to qualify for this event?

To qualify the brand must either exhibit or attend the show and a badge must be shown at entrance. Albertsons will not be providing show badges to suppliers that are invited to the event.

What type of products is Albertsons Launchpad reviewing for this competition?

Launchpad is looking for products positioned toward these consumer trends:  low sugar/low carb, protein-enhanced products, functional beverage, sober-curious, hydration, global flavors, healthy prepared meals and premium pet.

What type of products are restricted from the Albertsons Launchpad competition?

Products from Produce, Meat, Deli, Liquor, GM/HBC or CBD will not be considered.

Can I apply if I was a contestant last year?

Yes. The three grand prize winners are the only brands unable to participate in 2025. 

Please describe the logistics of the Innovation Launchpad event.

This event is a fast-paced competition.  The competition is being held at the Anaheim Hilton Ballroom A on Tuesday March 4th from 8am – 11am.   Arrive 10 minutes before your slotted presentation time.  No schedule modifications will be accommodated during this event.  Brands will pitch to a single judging panel of 2 people.   Each contestant has 7 minutes to pitch from a standardized template.  There will be 3 minutes for Q&A.   You are required to sample your product.   The judges are individuals from the Business Venture’s Team, National Team, Specialty Divisions, Southern California Division, Whipstitch and KeHE.  

When is the award ceremony?

The award ceremony will be held later that day, March 4th at 3PM.  Doors open at 2:30 in the Anaheim Hilton Ballroom A.  This event is open to all who are interested.

What are the key dates I should know?

January 6:  Submissions open 

January 19: Deadline to submit. There will be no extension from that date. 

January 31: Suppliers are notified regarding their Innovation Launchpad submission status.  Approved suppliers will receive a prep package via email which will include a 2 video introductions from Albertsons management, presentation template, sample presentation, video introduction, a social media toolkit and other instructions.   Suppliers are provided a link to schedule their presentation time.

March 4 AM: Albertsons Innovation Launchpad Competition Event at Hilton Hotel Anaheim Ballroom A.

March 4 PM:  Albertsons Innovation Launchpad Award Ceremony Event at Hilton Hotel Anaheim Ballroom A.

How many people from my company can attend the Innovation Launchpad competition event?

The maximum is 2.

Will I get distribution in Albertsons stores if I am chosen a winner in the Innovation Launchpad?

Merchandising and Assortment decisions are not being made at this event.  

How many winners and what are the prizes for the Innovation Launchpad event?   

There are 3 grand prize winners and 10 runners up (FastPass) winners.

1st Prize winner will receive almost $200K in cash and services. ($40K cash and services from Symphony, Albertsons Media Collective, KeHE, SPINS, Whipstitch and RangeMe.)

2nd Prize winner will receive almost $100K in cash and services. ($30K cash and services from Symphony, Albertsons Media Collective, KeHE, SPINS and RangeMe.)

3rd Prize winner will receive almost $65K in cash and services. ($20K cash and services from Symphony, KeHE, SPINS and RangeMe.)

10 FastPass winners will receive services from Symphony, KeHE, SPINS and RangeMe and meetings with the Albertsons Merchandising team (total value of more than $110K)

Full details of prizes can be found in the Terms and Conditions document.  

I am new to RangeMe, who will have access to the information I submit?

Information submitted to Albertsons on RangeMe is exclusive to Albertsons merchants during Innovation Launchpad. 

How do I know if Albertsons received my submission?

You can confirm your submission to Albertsons by clicking here, or selecting the Submissions tab at the top of your profile and selecting "my submissions" to view any submissions that have been made. Completed submissions will show a “view submission” button. 

Note: Approved suppliers will be notified on January 31st  on whether they will be presenting live in Anaheim. 

If I am selected to Albertsons Innovation LaunchPad, can I present more than one product?

Yes! If invited to Innovation LaunchPad 2025, you will have the opportunity to present your whole portfolio of products to the judges.  

Where can I find the answers to questions not covered in this FAQ?

Our friendly RangeMe support team is happy to assist.  Simply email your questions to the Albertsons Innovation Launchpad team at albertsonsinnovation@rangeme.com

Now that I have received the email invitation to attend meetings, how do I confirm my participation for the Albertsons Innovation Launchpad event?

You will be provided a link to schedule your meeting.

Do I have to attend the meetings if my products are selected?

Applying is a commitment to attend Innovation LaunchPad meetings in person on March 4, 2025.

You can find the Albertson's Launchpad official content rules as an attachment here: