Pitch the co-packers
Pitch. Pack. Partner.
Got a big idea and the ambition to match? Here’s your chance to put it in front of the UK’s top contract packing experts.
16 September
ENTRIES OPEN
8 December
FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
16 November
ENTRIES CLOSE
25 February
WINNERS ANNOUNCED
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE BCMPA
THE IMPORTANCE OF OUTSOURCING FOR YOUR BUSINESS
In collaboration with BCMPA – The Association for Contract Manufacturing, Packing, Fulfilment & Logistics, Pitch the Co-Packers gives innovative start-ups and emerging brands the chance to pitch their products, packaging challenges and growth ambitions to leading UK co-packing and manufacturing specialists.
In this fast-paced, Dragons’ Den-style session, participants can gain expert feedback, make valuable industry connections and explore potential partnerships.
WHO CAN ENTER
IS THIS FOR YOU?
We’re on the lookout for bold and brilliant start-ups and early-stage brands in food & drink, health & wellness, personal care and beauty, nutraceuticals, pet care, chemical, household products…
To be in the running, you sould:
- Have an annual turnover of under £100k
- Be independently owned (no corporate parents lurking in the background)
- Be trading for less than 3 years or in those exciting early growth stages
- Be on the hunt for a UK-based co-packing, manufacturing, or fulfilment partner
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU
THE WINNER OF THE COMPETITION WILL...
BE RECOGNISED AS AN EMERGING BRAND
GET CONNECTED WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE
WIN FUNDING TOWARDS YOUR OUTSOURCING
WORK WITH A BCMPA MEMBER
WHO HAS DONE THIS BEFORE
MEET THE 2026 PITCHERS
HANGOV is the UK’s first biotech pre-drink supplement, using innovative, science-backed ingredients to support energy, hydration, gut balance and liver health around alcohol consumption.
Positioned between modern wellness and social lifestyle, it helps ambitious professionals and wellness-focused socialisers enjoy nights out while supporting next-day performance and recovery.
Renata Sa
Hangov
hydracaddie was inspired by the importance of effective nutrition in endurance sport and a clear gap in golf.
While many amateur golfers rely on sugary snacks, fizzy drinks and caffeine, hydracaddie offers a golf-focused electrolyte sachet with no caffeine and just 0.2g of sugar, supporting smarter on-course hydration and performance.
Ross Clayton
hydracaddie
Naija Flavia is a modern food brand bringing authentic Nigerian flavours to everyday kitchens. Born from Nigerian heritage and perfected in London, its premium sauces make West African cooking convenient and accessible.
From Egusi Stew to Ayamase and Jollof Stew, traditional recipes are simplified without compromising taste, culture or quality.
Flavia Wachuku
Naija Flava
RED-Scue is an award-winning UK food and wellness brand tackling chronic under-fuelling in sport.
Founded by a former international athlete diagnosed with Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport, it creates portable, high-carbohydrate energy jars for athletes and active people. Already trading, growing demand is driving its next phase of scalable production.
Florence Sargent
Red Sauce
GOT QUESTIONS?
FREQUENTLY ASKED
What are the Future Trailblazer Awards?
The Future Trailblazer Awards are all about celebrating rising talent in the packaging world. These are the people making a quiet impact right now and showing real promise for the future. If you or someone you know is starting to stand out, this is the perfect moment to get recognised.
Who can enter?
We’re looking for fresh talent from across the packaging industry. Whether you’re focused on sustainability, engineering, artwork, or anything in between, if you’re just getting started and showing potential, we want to hear from you.
Eligibility: You must be in the early stages of your packaging career.
Can I nominate someone else?
Absolutely. If a colleague has been doing great work, learning fast, and showing real initiative, this is your chance to shine a spotlight on them.
When do entries close?
Entries close on November 2, 2026, so don’t leave it too late.
Is there a cost to enter?
No, it’s completely free to enter the Future Trailblazer Awards.
How long does it take to submit an entry?
The entry form takes around 20 minutes to complete. If you’ve already gathered your key info and examples, you’ll be good to go in no time.
What do the judges need to know about you?
Just fill out our entry form and let us know:
- What your brand does
- Which sector you’re in (Food, Drink, Personal Care, Nutraceutical, Household, Chemical, Pet Care, Ecommerce & Fulfilment)
- Where you are in your product journey
- Your current packaging/production setup
- The challenges you’re facing
- What you’re looking for in a co-packing partner
- Your big vision – and when you want to make it happen
- Images of your product.
How are entries judged?
A panel of experienced industry experts will review every entry carefully. They’ll be looking at your achievements so far, your skillset, your ideas, and your potential for growth in the industry.
This isn’t just about where you are now, but where you’re heading.
When will finalists and winners be announced?
Finalists will be announced in mid-January 2027
Winners will be revealed live at the Production Line during Packaging Innovations & Empack 2027
What are some of the benefits of winning a Future Trailblazers Award?
You will be recognised as a rising star in the industry in front of leading brands and suppliers, this award puts you in the spotlight as someone who is making a difference to the packaging industry!
Also, you will recieve a one-year Affiliate Membership from The Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (IOM3). This membership gets you the following benefits that will help advance your career further:
- A free of charge member magazine, Materials World.
- Access to premium web content, online databases and materials advice and information services.
- Member discounts on events, conferences, training courses, venue hire and occasional promotions such as books and publications.
- Career Appraisal for your suitability for a professional grade of IOM3 membership or professional registration.
How do I get to the awards ceremony?
The ceremony takes place at the Production Line stage at Packaging Innovations & Empack in the NEC, Birmingham.
To get there:
- Take a direct train to Birmingham International
- From the station, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the NEC
- We recommend using public transport if you can
Still have questions?
We’re here to help. #Just reach out to a member of our team and we’ll be happy to chat things through.
GET IN TOUCH
Casey McHugh
Senior Conference & Community Manager
+44 (0)20 3935 6332
Georgina Kantor
SSenior Marketing Executive
+44 (0)2031964392
