Business start-ups and emerging brands are being encouraged to enter a Dragons’ Den-style competition to pitch their products, packaging challenges, and growth ambitions to co-packing and manufacturing specialists.
The competition, which is now in its second year, is being run by Packaging Innovations & Empack in partnership with BCMPA, the Association for Contract Manufacturing, Packing, Fulfilment & Logistics.
Called Pitch the Co-Packers 2027, it is open to independently owned start-ups and early-stage brands with an annual turnover below £100,000 and no corporate parent company.
Live pitches
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.
Successful entrants will pitch live at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2027 at the NEC Birmingham before four judges drawn from the manufacturing, retail and start-up community.
The 2027 judging panel comprises Andrew Dawson, chief executive of IPS; Chris McDonnell, founder of Black Label Creations; Jade Haoi, executive leader of purchasing at Whole Foods; and Oatsu founder Lauren O’Donnell.
The winner will receive £1,500 towards outsourcing support and free consultancy from industry professionals, as well as the opportunity to work with a BCMPA member to refine processes and improve efficiency.
‘Countless decisions’
“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.
‘Get products to market’
Casey McHugh, Easyfairs senior conference & community manager, said: “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.”
Entries for Pitch the Co-Packers 2027 are now open.
Packaging Innovations & Empack takes place on 24 & 25 February 2027 at the NEC Birmingham.
