The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association’s (NFRA) Penguin Pitch: Emerging Brand Contest returns for its third year, recognizing innovative frozen and refrigerated food brands redefining their categories through product development, creative packaging and strategic market execution, the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania-based organization announced Jan. 15.
Launched Jan. 1, Penguin Pitch provides emerging brands with an opportunity to gain visibility among retailers, distributors and industry leaders, while celebrating innovation driving growth across the frozen and refrigerated foods industry.
“Penguin Pitch was created to elevate emerging brands that are meaningfully advancing frozen and refrigerated foods,” said Tricia Greyshock, president and CEO of NFRA.
“We’re looking for products that not only stand out on shelf, but demonstrate thoughtful innovation, strong execution, and a clear understanding of what today’s retailers and consumers are looking for.”
Grand prize and award categories
The Grand Prize winner will receive a complimentary tasting table at Café NFRA during the 2026 NFRA Convention, held Oct. 17-20 in National Harbor, Maryland. Café NFRA provides emerging brands with a high-impact opportunity to showcase their products directly to key industry decision-makers.
“Winning the Penguin Pitch Emerging Brand Award was nothing short of incredible,” said Joe Nicchi, founder of CVT Soft Serve, the 2025 Grand Prize winner.
“It gave us the chance to tell our story and connect with other founders and industry decision makers, and to really share what it takes to transform a small business into a brand. The win was incredibly validating and gave us a huge boost of confidence and momentum. The exposure, support, and connections we gained through the NFRA have continued to pay off, and we’re truly grateful for the opportunity.”
In addition to the Grand Prize, Penguin Pitch will recognize winners in the following categories: Most Creative Packaging, Most Disruptive Product and Most Unique Promotional Campaign.
Eligibility requirements
Companies must have entered retail within the past 10 years. Annual retail sales for the submitted product must range from $100,000 to $2 million as of Feb. 1. Participants must be NFRA members in good standing or join NFRA prior to submitting an entry.
The entry window is open through Feb. 13. Complete contest rules and entry information are available on NFRA’s website.
NFRA is a nonprofit trade association representing all segments of the frozen and refrigerated foods industry. NFRA sponsors national promotions ReDiscover Dairy & Frozen (January), March Frozen Food Month, June Dairy Month and Summer Favorites Ice Cream & Novelties (June/July).
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