Semifinalists revealed: 10 brands pitching at the 2019 Expo East Pitch Slam
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Bohana is a leader in the popped water lily seed game and for good reason; these light and crunchy snacks are a tasty alternative to popcorn. This brand stands out because of its snacking innovation and commitment to fair farmer wages, ethical and sustainable harvesting and a collaborative supply chain.
Revolution Gelato is bringing organic ingredients to the nondairy gelato game, truly revolutionizing vegan dessert options with its innovative flavor options and taste profiles that could easily pass for full dairy ice cream. This brand stands out because of its incredibly tasty and creamy gelato flavors and commitment to organic, ethically sourced ingredients.
Soñar! Foods is a mission-based tortilla chip brand that makes organic, grain-free varieties with high nutritional value and small ingredient lists. This brand stands out because of its focus on organic ingredients and a deep mission to uplift the American Latino community.
Goodwolf is a water kefir brand that uses nondairy kefir crystals to create an approachable alternative to other bubbly beverages with a probiotic boost. This brand stands out because of its killer branding, focus on organic ingredients and deliciously healthy flavor profiles.
Makomas is a unique beverage brand that uses traditional African recipes to create refreshing drinks with ingredients like baobab and moringa tea leaves. This brand stands out not only because of its use of unique ingredients, but also because of its philanthropic foundation; a portion of the proceeds of every product sale supports women in West Africa expand sustainable farming practices.
Mellow Rooster is an herbal coffee brand—yes you read that right—that's created a caffeine-free herbal alternative that looks, feels and tastes like the real deal. This brand stands out because of its on-trend innovation, great taste and solid branding.
REP Provisions is a keto and paleo-friendly brand that currently offers delicious Beefstix™ sourced from 100% U.S. grass-fed beef and rich pecan butter that, when eaten together, makes for a surprisingly tasty and nutritious snack. This brand stands out because of its unwavering insistence on regenerative agriculture and high-quality ingredients.
Atlantic Sea Farms is making eating seaweed approachable and delicious, even to the seaweed skeptics. Its line of products include Seaweed Salad, Sea-Chi and Sea-Beet Kraut, all made with sustainably grown seaweed. This brand stands out because of its unique and environmentally responsible take on the sea veggie.
Scramblers is shaking up the on-the-go breakfast scene with its shelf-stable and keto friendly Omelet Bar that doesn’t even need heating (though it tastes great that way!). This brand stands out because of its innovation within the breakfast category and collaboration with Pete and Gerry's organic, free range, Certified Humane whole eggs.
Renewal Mill is leading with true innovation within the upcycled ingredients space with okara, created by harvesting the pulp of organic soybeans. This brand won an honorary spot in the Natural Products Expo East Pitch Slam Semifinals after winning the pitch competition at Food Funded 2019 in San Francisco. Renewal Mill stands out for its innovation using upcycled soymilk byproduct and commitment to tackling our nationwide food waste issue.
Renewal Mill is leading with true innovation within the upcycled ingredients space with okara, created by harvesting the pulp of organic soybeans. This brand won an honorary spot in the Natural Products Expo East Pitch Slam Semifinals after winning the pitch competition at Food Funded 2019 in San Francisco. Renewal Mill stands out for its innovation using upcycled soymilk byproduct and commitment to tackling our nationwide food waste issue.
With just a few weeks left until Natural Products Expo East 2019, it's that exciting time again; New Hope Network has selected the 10 standout brands pitching at the Expo East Pitch Slam in Baltimore.
This year, we received the largest number of Expo East Pitch Slam applications ever and the caliber of products were top notch, which made it extra tough to determine which brands would dance through to the semifinals.
But, after hours of careful consideration and taste-testing (new this year), the New Hope Network content team and a group of 10 industry experts determined who will pitch for the chance to snag more than $40,000 in New Hope Network services–including a FREE booth at Natural Products Expo East 2020.
These 10 emerging brands model true innovation within the natural products industry, and we’re excited to shine a spotlight on each.
The Pitch
Semifinals Competition Sept. 11, 2019
5-6:30 p.m. Hilton Key Ballroom 7/8
Sponsored by: 301 Inc., Moss Adams
Presented by: BrandHive, Performance MPG, Whipstitch Capital, Creative Alignments, L.E.K., Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, Venable
3-minute pitch
3-minute Q&A
Finals Competition Sept. 12, 2019
4:30-6:30 p.m. Hilton, Key Ballroom 7/8
Sponsored by: 301 Inc., Moss Adams
Presented by: BrandHive, Performance MPG, Whipstitch Capital, Creative Alignments, L.E.K., Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, Venable
3-minute-long pitch
5-minute-long Q&A
Judges select one grand prize winner. Both competitions are open to all badgeholders.
The Selection
The 10 Selection Committee and Mentors below will be partnered up with the 10 brands over the next few weeks to help them perfect their Expo East pitch.
Expo East 2019 Pitch Slam Selection Committee and Mentors
John Grubb, Summit Venture Management
Wynn Wiksell, The JM Smucker Company
Ryan Pintado-Vertner, Smoketown
Elliot Begoun, The Intertwine Group
Heidi Traore, National Coop Grocers
Kelly Criswell, The GRO Agency
Debbie Wildrick, Metabrand
Ainsley Moir, Engineer Your Brand
Kristena Wozniak, Propeller Industries
Risa Schulman, Tap~Root
These are the five industry leaders who will select the five finalists competing in Thursday's Finals competition.
Expo East 2019 Pitch Slam Expert Panel
Lauren Jupiter, AccelFoods
Kelly Landrieu, Whole Foods Market
Blake Mitchell, Interact Boulder
Esther Park, Cienega Capital
Chelsea Williams, That’s Chelsea
The 10
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