Entries have opened for Pitch the Co-Packers 2027, giving ambitious start-ups and early-stage brands the opportunity to put their products, packaging challenges and growth plans directly in front of experts who understand what it takes to bring a product successfully to market.
Launched at London Packaging Week on 16 September, the competition’s second edition will take place at sister event, Packaging Innovations & Empack, following a highly successful debut in 2026.
In partnership with the BCMPA – The Association for Contract Manufacturing, Packing, Fulfilment & Logistics – Packaging Innovations & Empack has launched Pitch the Co-Packers to bridge the gap between a promising product and successful commercial production.
Selected businesses will be invited to pitch live at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2027 at the NEC Birmingham, presenting to four Dragons drawn from manufacturing, retail and the start-up community.
The 2027 judging panel comprises Andrew Dawson, CEO of IPS; Chris McDonnell, Founder of Black Label Creations; Jade Haoi, Executive Leader of Purchasing at Whole Foods; and Lauren O’Donnell, Founder of Oatsu.
“Getting a product to market is rarely as straightforward as it first appears,” said Emma Verkaik, CEO of the BCMPA. “Behind the finished pack are countless decisions covering manufacturing, filling, materials, compliance, logistics and scalability.
“The real magic is having an experienced partner who can see the whole roadmap and help a brand make the right choices at the right time. That is why Pitch the Co-Packers is so important to young brands at the start of their product journey.
“By tapping into the knowledge and experience of third-party outsourcing specialists, emerging brands can save valuable time and money while accessing the expertise they need to take their new products to market.”
Pitch the Co-Packers made its debut at Packaging Innovations & Empack in 2026, with hangov, Hydracaddie Golf Nutrition, Naija Flavia Foods and RED-Scue High Carb Energy Jar taking to the stage. hangov was ultimately crowned the competition’s inaugural winner.
“Pitch the Co-Packers reminded me that meaningful growth is never built alone,” said Renata Sá, Founder and CEO of HANGOV Group Ltd. “The right partner isn’t just a supplier, it’s someone who shares the vision, believes deeply in the product, and is ready to build long-term value together.”
Casey McHugh, Senior Conference & Community Manager at Easyfairs, said: “The first edition showed us the quality and ambition of the emerging brands coming through, and now we want to find the next wave. Pitch the Co-Packers puts founders directly in front of people who understand what it takes to get products to market and can help them navigate what comes next.
“If you’ve created something exciting and you’re serious about taking it further, we want to hear your pitch.”
Pitch the Co-Packers 2027 is open to independently owned start-ups and early-stage brands with an annual turnover below £100,000 and no corporate parent company. Applicants should have been trading for fewer than three years, or be in the early stages of growth, and be looking for a UK-based co-packing, manufacturing or fulfilment partner.
Packaging Innovations & Empack takes place on 24 & 25 February 2027 at the NEC Birmingham, bringing together the packaging and processing community to discover new solutions, technologies and expertise across the packaging supply chain.
Entries for Pitch the Co-Packers 2027 are now open. Enter today for your chance to pitch to industry experts and connect with potential co-packing, manufacturing and fulfilment partners.