A vending innovator is one of 18 finalists in Empire State Development and Cornell University's Center for Regional Economic Advancement's Grow-NY, a food innovation and agriculture technology business challenge. The contest is focused on enhancing the emerging food, beverage and agriculture innovation cluster in central New York, the Finger Lakes, and the state's Southern Tier.
Simply Good Jars, launched two years ago by founder and chief executive Jared Cannon, is expanding access to chef-created fresh and healthy foods packaged in reusable and returnable jars. The jars are distributed via Smart RFID enabled vending machines making it easy to monitor and stock inventory, minimize food waste and eliminate single-use plastic waste. Simply Good Jars strives to operate with zero waste while creating the new standard for fast, fresh food. (Editor's note: Vending Times will soon feature an in-depth feature on Simply Good Jars.)
This finalist is now gearing up to perform a live business pitch at the Grow-NY Summit in November, which will be held at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center on November 12 and 13.
"The Grow-NY competition has attracted a group of diverse, innovative entrepreneurs who are ready to focus on finding new ways to further transform New York State's world-renowned food and agricultural industry," Governor Cuomo said. "Through efforts like Grow-NY we are continuing to bolster these regional economies and foster statewide growth in this critical industry."
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