Final call for ambitious start-ups as Pitch the Co-Packers 2027 deadline nears

Eligible businesses still have time to apply for Pitch the Co-Packers 2027, where they can present their growth plans to four industry-leading ‘dragons’ and compete for outsourcing funding and other prizes.

Meeting growing consumer demand can be a difficult hurdle for ambitious young companies to clear, with production capacity and quality maintenance often proving challenging. Pitch the Co-Packers gives its winner the chance to more easily overcome these barriers to scaling that can otherwise hinder promising new businesses.

Taking place at Packaging Innovations & Empack in February 2027, the competition also offers up-and-coming entrepreneurs the chance to network with a variety of figures in the packaging sector, as well as an opportunity to boost brand awareness more widely. This will be the second Pitch the Co-Packers event; the inaugural edition, hosted in 2026, saw pre-drink supplement business hangov win the favour of the dragons out of a host of promising entrants.

The competition, which is partnered with The Association for Contract Manufacturing, Packing, Fulfilment & Logistics (BCMPA), aims to highlight the benefits of upcoming businesses outsourcing their packaging needs to expert third parties. Outsourcing allows independent entrepreneurs to focus on their own growth ambitions, leaving packaging production in safe hands. This collaboration benefits developing companies and seasoned packaging manufacturers alike.

Contestants will have the chance to pitch their product, its packaging requirements and their long-term goals to four dragons, who will offer specialised feedback before selecting a winner. The 2027 dragons are: Andrew Dawson, CEO at IPS; Chris McDonnell, Founder of Black Label Creations; Jade Hoai, Executive Leader of Purchasing at Whole Foods Market; and Lauren O’Donnell, Founder of Oatsu. With decades of combined experience in the different stages of taking a product to market, an audience with the dragons will offer any entrant valuable business insights.

To be eligible to apply for Pitch the Co-Packers 2027, your business must:

have an annual turnover of less than £100,000.
be independently owned.
have traded for under three years.
be looking for a UK-based co-packing, manufacturing or fulfilment partner.

Businesses can check their eligibility and enter Pitch the Co-Packers 2027 here.

When it comes to the type of entrant the dragons are looking for, Jade Hoai emphasises strategy. “No matter what the product is, how passionate the entrepreneur is – although passion is always important – what we want to see is that the pitcher has a clear idea of their market, what their specific packaging needs are going to be and how exactly they plan on growing their business. If you can convey that the research is there, then you’re already most of the way to a great pitch.”

For returning judge Andrew Dawson the potential behind the business is just as important as its immediate commercial prospects.

“There has to be great innovation, a great product, a great story. The rest, then, you can work with, can’t you?” he said.

Having continued to offer guidance and practical support to several entrants following the inaugural competition, Dawson believes Pitch the Co-Packers can open doors for promising businesses, regardless of whether they take home the top prize.

“Whilst we might not be able to help every entrant operationally, there are other ways we can support them. Whether that’s advice on allergens, product development or inviting them to see our operations first-hand, we’ve continued to help businesses we met through last year’s competition. That’s why I want to do it again. There will be a golden nugget somewhere.”

If successful, businesses will be in the running for prizes including funding toward their outsourcing projects, a VIP experience and the chance to work with a leading BCMPA member. All finalists will receive the previously mentioned boost in brand recognition and chance to network with a range of potential industry partners. Finalists will be announced on 10 December 2026.

“Pitch the Co-Packers is a brilliant opportunity for any new businesses needing a boost,’ said Casey McHugh, Senior Conference & Community Manager at Easyfairs UK. “It gives young companies access to a whole new level of expertise, production capability and professional collaboration. Last year saw an incredible range of products being pitched; with entries open until mid-November, we’re really looking forward to seeing what applicants bring to the table in 2027.”

Entries close on 16 November 2026, with finalists announced on 10 December. Successful applicants will pitch live at Packaging Innovations & Empack, taking place at the Birmingham NEC on 24 & 25 February 2027.

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