Naturally New York Announces Whipnotic as Winner of 2024 Pitch Slam

Whipnotic and Jack & Friends Awarded $150,000 Prize Package in Prestigious Industry Contest 

NEW YORK—Naturally New York, which fosters connections among New York area entrepreneurs, leaders, and investors, is excited to announce Whipnotic as the winner of its annual Pitch Slam event that took place following BevNET Live on June 13. Lori Gitomer, Co-Founder & CEO, took the stage before an esteemed panel of industry experts from Whole Foods Market to present the Vanilla Salted Caramel Swirl Whipped Cream. As a result of the award-winning pitch, Whipnotic was selected to win a $150,000 prize package and potential placement at Whole Foods Market locations. 

As part of the Pitch Slam, five New York City entrepreneurs presented their consumer-packaged goods (CPG) to established industry veterans from Whole Foods Market which included John Lawson, Charlie New, Ellen Gorra, and Joanne Neugebauer. Finalists were judged based on presentation, storytelling abilities, innovation, social impact, branding, packaging, and market viability. 

“Every contestant gave stellar presentations, and Whipnotic truly dazzled the judges with their swirled whip cream innovation, standing out as the most compelling contender,” said John Lawson, Senior Forager for Local and Emerging Brands at Whole Foods Market.

"Having Whipnotic selected as a finalist for the Pitch Slam was a huge victory for us. Now, being recognized as the winner is a tremendous honor and will open many new doors as we continue forward in building our brand.” said Gitomer. "At Whipnotic, our mission is to create delicious, extraordinary innovations and inventions that bring togetherness and joy. This recognition will help us to offer the freshest, tastiest, most fun food experiences to shoppers coast-to-coast who love quality, superior ingredients and heightened flavor," continued Tracy Luckow, Co-Founder & President, Whipnotic. 

The Pitch Slam finalists competed for a $150,000 prize package including cash and services supported by 20 industry partners; BevNET, NOSH, SPINS, SG Credit Partners, NIQ, BeyondBrands, BeyondSKU, Rosenthal & Rosenthal, Kerry, Propeller Industries, Fairfield Partners, Foster Garvey, Honeycomb Credit, Six60 Partners, Konnect Agency, New Hope Network, Specialty Food Association, FounderMade, Haven’s Kitchen, JPG Resources. The $150,000 prize package awarded to Whipnotic includes services and support from industry partners and a $25,000 cash prize. A $50,000 prize package including a $10,000 cash prize was also rewarded to the Audience Choice Winner, Jack & Friends, a brand creating plant-based jerky from jackfruit. 

Naturally New York Board Co-Chair Gigi Lee Chang also conducted a Q&A with Dario Wolos, Founder of Tacombi, during the judges deliberation. Wolos shared his own insights on how other founders and the contestants can garner interest from potential investors and advisors. 

“The collaboration with Whole Foods Market on Naturally New York’s Pitch Slam was an exceptional opportunity to celebrate emerging brands who are leading innovation in the specialty food and beverage industry,” said Chang.

For more information about Naturally New York please visit naturallynewyork.org. 

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. Stay connected with NNY on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.