The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) has announced the winners of the third-annual Penguin Pitch: Emerging Brand Contest, a program designed to spotlight up-and-coming brands reshaping the frozen and refrigerated aisles through innovation, flavor and purpose.
Category Winners
Following a competitive review process, three brands earned top honors in the following categories:
• Best Promotional Strategy: DiFara Pizza, for its integrated social and in-store approach;
• Most Disruptive Product: Frönen, praised for dairy-free ingredients and on-trend flavors; and
• Most Creative Packaging: Skinny Butcher Crazy Dippers, noted for unique packaging and creative logo.
Grand Prize Winner
The association’s top honor – Grand Prize and Emerging Brand of the Year – was awarded to Folkland Foods Potato Tots, recognized for its clean ingredients and bold branding.
As part of its recognition as grand-prize winner, Folkland Foods will receive a featured table in Café NFRA at the 2026 NFRA Convention, Oct. 17-20, in National Harbor, Maryland. The placement provides direct exposure to leading retailers and industry decision-makers.
Finalists
The winners were selected from a group of seven finalists announced in March and evaluated by a panel of industry judges based on product samples and promotional materials. The finalists included:
• DiFara – Vodka Sauce Pizza;
• Folkland Foods – Potato Tots;
• Frönen – Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bar;
• Mad Mutz – The Stingerz;
• Ripi Foods – Beef Short Rib Ravioli;
• San Diablo Artisan Churros – Take & Bake Churros; and
• Skinny Butcher – Crazy Dippers.
“The Penguin Pitch highlights brands that are driving meaningful innovation across the frozen and refrigerated aisles,” said Tricia Greyshock, NFRA president and CEO. “This year’s group stands out for its creativity, product differentiation and ability to meet evolving consumer expectations.”
About NFRA
NFRA is a non-profit trade association representing all segments of the frozen and refrigerated foods industry. NFRA sponsors national promotions including ReDiscover Dairy & Frozen (January), March Frozen Food Month, June Dairy Month and Summer Favorites Ice Cream & Novelties (June/July). Consumer information is available through its Easy Home Meals website and social media properties. To learn more, visit nfraweb.org and easyhomemeals.com.
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