PITCH COMPETITION APPLICATIONS CLOSED
Info for food & bev brands
See below for information on the process and requirements for food & bev brands that would like to participate in the pitch competition, tabling & sampling. Please note that the pitch competition and tabling/sampling are only available for CPG/wholesale-focused brands (i.e a product sold in a grocer).
All food & beverage brands that are interested in participating in the pitch competition or tabling/sampling must be headquartered in Connecticut (it's okay if you were incorporated in a different state). Food & bev brands based outside of CT are welcome to participate in expert coaching sessions and attend the event.
Participation Process
Submit an application at ctfoodevent.com/apply. CLOSED 3/2/26
Applications are scored by our pitch competition judges.
Finalists announced 3/12/26: The top 5 scoring emerging brands & top 5 scoring scaling brands will be invited to participate in the pitch competition and to set up a table at the event.
All applicants will be invited to set up sampling tables at the event.
App Judging Criteria
Target Market
(0 - 4 points)
Addressable target market is large and/or growing, or is a strategic niche. Product meets an unmet need or distinct consumer preference. Customer is well-defined, and brand is designed for a specific grocery shopper and shelf.
Solution
(0 - 4 points)
Product is differentiated from the competition (i.e., taste, quality, consistency, convenience, price).
Team, board, advisors
(0 - 4 points)
Evidence the team understands how to build and scale a CPG brand. Company is more than founder-led and -run, team has relevant industry knowledge, skills, leadership experience, key relationships, prior successes and/or failures.
Strategic Momentum
(0 - 4 points)
Evidence of market validation/traction in the marketplace (i.e., sales trends, order velocity, repeat customers, retail tests/pilots/proofs of concept, past revenue growth, interest from industry partners, etc.)
Growth Plan
(0 - 4 points)
Credible and thoughtful plan to grow, clear next milestones and success metrics, go-to-market/distribution strategy, and/or awareness of current constraints
Environmental Sustainability
(0 - 4 points)
Business model and product is made with environmentally-responsible (i.e., sustainable or regenerative) practices. Areas could include local and/or sustainable ingredient sourcing, packaging choices, waste reduction, energy/water/resource use in production, etc.
Community Impact
(0 - 4 points)
Business practices create positive social impact alongside commercial success, i.e. supports local economies and suppliers, reinvests in local communities, expands access to products, markets, or opportunities.
