Hosted in Collaboration with the Navigator Lighthouse Foundation.
Stay on the Cutting Edge
Discover the next big thing in grocery. The Emerging Brands Pitch Contest is where up-and-coming new brands meet the industry’s most influential decision-makers. The contest takes center stage, giving six dynamic emerging companies the opportunity to showcase their products to a powerhouse audience of California’s top retailers and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) companies. Each contestant will have five minutes to deliver their best pitch and impress a room full of industry decision-makers.
Moderator:
Rebecca Calvin
Congratulations to our 2025 Contestants!
Maple Pop!
Freshly Baked in California — Organic Caramel Popcorn, Free from Refined Sugar and Seed Oils.
Marimix
MARIMIX delivers globally inspired flavors, functional benefits and everyday wellness at an accessible price. Founded by brain aneurysm survivor and mom of three, Mari Fassett, our clean-label snackmixes are crunch-baked, gluten-free, and plant-based—always a good source of fiber with no artificial ingredients. With award-winning flavors like Cinnamon Churro and Chocolatey Sea Salt (Good Housekeeping Best Snack 2024 & 2025) and Hatch Chile Lime (KEHE Trend Finder Finalist), we’re a high-velocity brand with broad shopper appeal. Also recognized by SELF Magazine’s 2025 PANTRY Award and the 2024 Mindful Award for Best Snackmix. Marimix offers better-for-you snacking that doesn’t break the cart.
Better Buzz Coffee
Better Buzz Coffee has been dedicated to serving high-quality, small batch coffee that keeps guests coming back for more.
Our expert team selects the best beans, then roasts them to perfection in sunny California. Every bean makes it easy to craft every cup full of bold flavor, rich aroma, and a burst of energy to fuel your day.
A Better Treat
A Better Treat is the first and only organic and single ingredient dog and cat treats. We use premium sourcing (wild caught, grass fed & finished, USDA organic), all made and sourced in the US. The freeze drying process retains the most nutrients and keeps ingredients in their recognizable form, so pet parents can feel confident that they are feeding their fur families the best.
Bowlcut
Bowlcut is redefining what eating well tastes like for a new generation. Founded by former restaurant kid, Crystal Ung, who spent her childhood working at her dad’s Chinese restaurant, Bowlcut creates reduced sodium & sugar Asian American sauces inspired by nostalgic flavors of our past.
AC Barbeque
AC Barbeque is a new lifestyle brand created by beloved comedians and grilling enthusiasts, Anthony Anderson and Cedric The Entertainer. Founded on the principles of Black excellence, family tradition, and bringing people together, AC Barbeque aims to provide the tools, flavor, and community that’ll take grilling to the next level. When you need to up your BBQ game, just look to the AC Flame.
Prime Roots
Prime Roots is a new-school deli brand crafting clean cold cuts that are better for both people and planet. The company brings to deli counters the first-of-its-kind, freshly sliced, plant-protein-powered charcuterie and deli meats in nostalgic flavors like turkey, ham, and salami, with all the flavor and no preservatives.
