Naturally New York’s Pitch Slam Returns
NEW YORK, N.Y.— Naturally New York, which fosters connections among New York area entrepreneurs, leaders, and investors, is excited to announce that applications are now open for its annual Pitch Slam. In collaboration with Whole Foods Market, the event will provide food and beverage product entrepreneurs with a platform to present one of their consumer-packaged goods (CPG) to attendees and a host of judges made up of industry experts from the national retailer. The Pitch Slam will highlight five finalists, who have been chosen to compete for $100,000 worth of prizes, and potential placement at select Whole Foods Market locations. Tickets will be available for purchase next month.
“After last year’s successful Pitch Slam, Whole Foods Market is eager to join forces with Naturally Network in a larger role, taking over the judging panel with our discerning eye and years of industry knowledge,” said Alyssa Vescio, Senior Vice President of Merchandising at Whole Foods Market. “Working with emerging brands is a big part of our DNA and we’re enthusiastic about the potential to include Pitch Slam winners on our shelves, especially within the New York market.”
To qualify for the competition, companies must have been in the market for at least one year (before the date of entry into the contest) with a CPG natural or specialty product that is not currently sold in Whole Foods Market; generate $100,000 – $2,000,000 in gross revenue during 2023 (across all sales channels); and be members of Naturally New York.
Each finalist will have three minutes to impress the judges and present a pitch for one natural or specialty food or beverage product. They will be judged on the following criteria: presentation, mission, innovation, social impact, branding, packaging, and market viability.
“Naturally New York prides itself on our Pitch Slam event and presenting the opportunity for early-stage brands to enhance visibility with industry leaders,” said Adrienne DeLisio, Executive Director of Naturally New York. “Engagement in this event yields substantial exposure, and our collaboration with Whole Foods Market presents a remarkable opportunity for all participating brands.”
Applications for the Pitch Slam are open to Naturally New York community members starting Monday, April 1. The application deadline is April 19, and brands can apply at naturallynewyork.org/2024pitchslam.
About Naturally New York
Naturally New York (NNY) is a distinguished 501(c)(6) trade association that was established in 2021 with a singular objective: to foster connections among New York area entrepreneurs, leaders, investors, and service providers within the thriving natural products community. NNY’s mission is to harness, accelerate, and elevate the power and impact of conscious business practices in the natural, organic, and sustainable products ecosystem. Through community-based programming, networking opportunities, influential advocacy, and collaborative endeavors, NNY unites and engages a diverse range of brands, investors, and service providers, from promising start-ups to established Fortune 500 companies. Together, NNY shapes a more equitable, prosperous, and healthier world. Join NNY to forge a transformative path towards a future where purpose-driven businesses thrive at: naturallynewyork.org.
For More Information:
https://www.naturallynewyork.org/
