Event Details
Entrepreneurs get the stage to pitch their up-and-coming companies for the chance to win a suite of prizes from the community to help propel their industry growth!
5 Finalists to be announced the week of May 6th
Judging Panel: Whole Foods Market Category Merchants
$125,000 Value Prize Package
Opportunity to compete in the Naturally Network Pitch Slam
Dedicated Booth at New Hope Network’s Newtopia Now show in Denver from August 25-28
Dedicated Booth at Specialty Food Association’s Winter Fancy Food Show + Consumer Insights Report
New Hire Consulting package from Fairfield Partners
Innovation Session at Kerry’s Taste Center of Excellence
NIQ Trend Analysis + Report Bundle
Complimentary evaluation of business financials by Rosenthal & Rosenthal
SPINS Insight Sprint Consultation + Reports
Access to Haven Kitchen's Content Studio for one full day
Additional support provided by BevNET, NOSH, BeyondBrands, Foster Garvey, BeyondSKU, and more to be confirmed!
2024 Pitch Slam Competition Timeline
Application Submission Period: April 1 - 24
Preliminary Round Decision: week of May 6
Five finalists will be announced and be provided with complimentary tickets to the event
Mentorship: May 13 - June 7
Each finalist will be assigned two mentors (brand + investor) to meet with them for one hour each week leading up to the event in preparation for the contest
Live Event: June 13 from 5:00 - 6:30 PM
WFM judging panel will select one winner, and the votes from the audience will determine a People’s Choice winner to share the Prize Package
Judge criteria will be based on a 3-minute pitch presentation, mission, innovation, social impact, branding, packaging, and market viability
Criteria for Pitch Slam Eligibility
Applicant must be an active member of Naturally New York
Pitch must be dedicated to one (1) natural or specialty product in the Food or Beverage category
Product (1) must have launched and been in the market since April 2023 and is not currently sold at Whole Foods Market
Pitch Product meets Whole Foods Market Quality Standards (View Here)
Grossed $100,000 - $2,000,000 in 2023 revenue across all sales channels
Business must be a legal entity organized or incorporated under the laws of one of the fifty (50) United States or the District of Columbia
Entry must include:
Contestants’ contact info, company logo and description, prospective Pitcher’s headshot, and a publicly accessible link to business website
A :60s ‘Pitch Video’ uploaded by the contestant (PowerPoint presentations with a recorded voice-over also accepted)
Contact Information
For questions about Naturally New York, the Pitch Slam Event, or Partnership Opportunities, please contact info@naturallynewyork.org.