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.
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
15 October
ENTRIES OPEN
19 January
FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
5 January
ENTRIES CLOSE
12 FEBRUARY
WINNERS ANNOUNCED
AUGUST 6
ENTRIES OPEN
NOVEMBER 4
ENTRIES CLOSE
JANUARY 13
FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
FEBRUARY 11
WINNERS ANNOUNCED
The depth of passion and talent that shines through the entries makes me confident our industry is in very good hands going forward.
Emma Verkaik,
CEO
It was fascinating to see the breadth and depth of skills on display. It makes me genuinely excited for the future of packaging.
Jo Stephenson,
Managing Director
Reading the stories and hearing the passion from these entrants was inspiring. There were submissions from academia, brand owners, and everything between.
Greg Bentley,
Packaging Director
The quality was incredibly high, and seeing entries from apprentices really spotlights how exciting and career-developing these roles can be.
Jude Allan,
Managing Director
I was struck by the calibre of submissions – apprentices rising fast and entries where sustainability, consumer-centricity and inclusive design really shone through.
Alison Bramfitt,
Head of Packaging
ON WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
“We want to recognise people who are relatively new to the sector, but who are already starting to show their trailblazer potential.”
Jude Allan, OPRL
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.
AS A FINALIST YOU WILL
BE RECOGNISED AS AN EMERGING BRAND
WIN FUNDING TOWARDS YOUR OUTSOURCING
GET CONNECTED WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE
WORK WITH A BCMPA MEMBER
GET IN TOUCH
Casey McHugh
Senior Conference & Community Manager
+44 (0)20 3935 6332
Georgina Kantor
SSenior Marketing Executive
+44 (0)2031964392
