(Forbes) Our objective in creating the CircleUp25 was to honor 25 companies that are starting to change the way we live our lives—companies that influence what we eat, what we wear, and what we use every day of our lives. They are companies that lead us to decide where and how we shop. They are the most innovative consumer and retail brands that exist. In short, they are innovative businesses that go far beyond our local farmers’ markets—they are re-inventing industries. In an effort to avoid any appearance of partiality, as mentioned in our prior post announcing the CircleUp25, we have excluded from consideration any company that has worked with our equity crowdfunding site in an official capacity.
So what did we do to select the top 25 most innovative consumer and retail companies? We first spoke to experts in the field, including some of the best private equity firms in the world who focus on consumer and retail. Then we talked with major strategics, polling internal innovation teams at the most successful public consumer and retail companies. We also talked with entrepreneurs, third-party data providers and industry participants. From our panel of experts we received over 200 nominations. Then we also wanted to hear from consumers. We received almost two thousand nominations from consumers and fans through Facebook and Twitter (#CircleUp25).
Zuke’s Treats, Durango, CO.
- Why? For healthy hounds and chipper cats.
- Who Did It? Patrick Meiering, upon realizing that pets need healthy, all-natural treats just like humans do.
- What They Have Built: It started with the first-ever energy bar for dogs. Zuke’s now offers an extensive assortment of healthy pet treats.
- Out in Front: Petfood Industry reports that organic pet food sales are growing faster than human organic food sales. Packaged Facts anticipates the U.S. pet supplements industry will be worth $2 billion by 2015.
- Going Green: Zuke’s entire crunchy treat line is made in a production plant powered by 100% wind energy. The line has eco-friendly packaging and the company’s offices are powered by 100% green electricity