![8 brands selected to pitch at Natural Products Expo East 2018 Pitch-Slam competition 8 brands selected to pitch at Natural Products Expo East 2018 Pitch-Slam competition](https://eu-images.contentstack.com/v3/assets/blt09e5e63517a16184/bltb07ed1ae1cf68bfa/64ff1d8077991baf67d3a5e7/Pitch-Promo-Expo-East.png?width=700&auto=webp&quality=80&disable=upscale)
A Dozen Cousins is a mission-forward brand whose first offering is a line of regional ready-to-eat beans cooked in avocado oil. This brand stood out to our selection committee for its authentic recipes, trend-forward ingredients and inspiring story. Founder and CEO Ibraheem Basir will be pitching in Baltimore.
Kabaki Kenyan Purple Tea comes from a unique tea cultivar that only grows in very high elevations in equatorial Kenya. This brand stood out to our selection committee for its ingredient innovation, founder story and strong focus on supporting Kenyan farmers. Founder Martin Kabaki will be pitching in Baltimore.
O'MY Dairy Free Gelato is a woman-owned dessert brand that seeks to bring joy to those impacted by dietary restrictions. This brand stood out to our selection committee for its fun vibe, dedication to clean ingredients and strong founders. Co-founder Allison Monette will be pitching in Baltimore.
Snacklins is a line of puffed veggie crisps that look like a chicharróne, but are made with fresh mushrooms, onions and yuca. This brand stood out to our selection committee for its accessible price point, unique differentiation and innovative concept. Co-founder Samy Kobrosly will be pitching in Baltimore.
Something Better Foods is a public benefit corporation whose mission is to create plant-based food solutions that are affordable and accessible to all people. This brand stood out to our selection committee for its focus on increasing healthy food access, providing healthy eating education and ingredient innovation. Founder Chef GW Chew will be pitching in Baltimore.
TeaSquares are caffeinated energy snacks made with organic tea. This is a mission-forward company with a goal of fueling economic development in urban communities by launching a fellowship program to employ young adults. Our selection committee loved this brand's holistic channel strategy, impact-focused business model and differentiated product. CEO Jordan Buckner will be pitching in Baltimore.
Uplift Food is a functional food brand focused exclusively on the mood supportive benefits of gut healthy prebiotics. Our selection committee loved the growth potential for this brand, the focus on consumer education and the overall mission. The founder and head dietitian, Kara Landau, will be pitching in Baltimore.
Yolélé Foods is a mission-driven company centered around the quick-cooking, nutritious and gluten-free ancient African grain Fonio. This brand stood out for their unique ingredient, integrity and authenticity. Co-founders Pierre Thiam and Phillip Teverow will be pitching in Baltimore.
Yolélé Foods is a mission-driven company centered around the quick-cooking, nutritious and gluten-free ancient African grain Fonio. This brand stood out for their unique ingredient, integrity and authenticity. Co-founders Pierre Thiam and Phillip Teverow will be pitching in Baltimore.
Every year at Natural Products Expo, attendees are on the hunt for the newest natural product innovation. The Natural Products Expo East Pitch-Slam is proud to highlight eight exciting emerging brands who will take the stage at the Expo East Pitch-Slam Semi-Finalist Competition.
The Pitch
Semi-Finals Competition Sept. 12, 2018
5-6 p.m. Hilton, Key Ballroom 7/8
Sponsored by: 301 Inc., Moss Adams
• 3-minute pitch
• 3-minute Q&A
Finals Competition Sept. 13, 2018
4:30-6:30 p.m. Hilton, Key Ballroom 7/8
Sponsored by: 301 Inc., Moss Adams
• 3-minute pitch
• 5-minute Q&A
Judges select one grand prize winner. Both competitions are open to all badgeholders.
The Selection
The eight Selection Committee Mentors below will be partnered up with the eight brands leading into the show to help them perfect their pitch.
Expo East 2018 Pitch-Slam Selection Committee and Mentors
Blake Mitchell, Interact on Shelf
Bob Burke, Natural Products Consulting
Daniel Karsavar, Solutiontopia
Debbie Wildrick, MetaBrand
Elizabeth Moskow, Sterling-Rice Group
Mitchell Stevko, Growth CEO Advisors
Orion Brown, The Black Travel Box
Sarah Nathan, Chobani
These five industry all-stars will select the four finalists who will compete in Thursday's Finals Competition.
Expo East 2018 Pitch-Slam Judges
Cheryl Clements, PieShell
Gigi Lee Chang, BFY Capital
Kellam Mattie, VEB (Venturing & Emerging Brands), The Coca-Cola Company
Luke Vernon, Ridgeline Ventures
Perteet Spencer, SPINS
The Eight
About the Author(s)
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