Clean-Label Startup After Noon Foods Accepted Into Innovative SKU Accelerator Program

AUSTIN, Texas and CHICAGO, February 19, 2026 — After Noon Foods has been selected as one of eight brands in the Spring 2026 cohort of SKU, a groundbreaking consumer product accelerator founded in 2011.

The company will participate in SKU's 12-week program designed to help early-stage consumer packaged goods (CPG) startups scale their operations and reach store shelves more quickly.

Founded by longtime friends Kelly Duerr and Erica Gendell, After Noon Foods makes dried blends for fresh, better-for-you dressing made in seconds — just add oil and vinegar. Their clean, non-GMO ingredients and modern design are gaining a nationwide audience and quickly setting them apart in the natural food space.

"It's such an honor to join the same program that helped launch brands like Siete Foods and EPIC Provisions," said Gendell. "We see this as meaningful validation that we're building something people want and need."

"We're thrilled to work with the incredible mentors at SKU and learn everything we can from their successful group of founders, investors and subject-matter experts," Duerr said. "Our main focus over the next 6 months is direct-to-consumer growth and building a loyal customer base."

The Spring 2026 cohort begins March 1 and concludes with a Showcase Pitch event in Austin on May 19.

About After Noon Foods:

After Noon Foods is a clean-label food company that sells delicious, dried dressing blends people can make in under a minute with just oil and vinegar. Their modern packaging and design set them apart in the natural foods space, giving people all the taste and quality of homemade food without the hassle.

Their mantra: "Here's to more enjoying, less doing."

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