The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) announced its 2025 Penguin Pitch: Emerging Brand Contest, designed to solicit and showcase innovation in the frozen and refrigerated foods industry. The competition, which debuted last year, will evaluate this year’s entrants based on taste, innovation and market strategy.

"NFRA’s Penguin Pitch celebrates brands that are rethinking and reshaping the future of our categories," said Tricia Greyshock, president and CEO of NFRA. "We're looking for something that not only excites retailers and consumers, but addresses an unmet need, is unique, and truly represents the exciting innovation happening in our industry."

The grand prize winner will receive a complimentary tasting table at Café NFRA during the 2025 NFRA Convention, October 18-21, in Orlando, Florida. Valued at $7,000, the Cafe offers emerging brands a unique opportunity to showcase their products directly to industry decision-makers. 

"Winning NFRA’s Penguin Pitch last year was a game-changer for Big Mozz. The exposure we received at Café NFRA connected us directly with key industry leaders and opened doors to new retail partnerships,” said Marlon Weinberg, director of retail sales at Big Mozz. “Being recognized for our innovation has helped solidify our brand as a standout in the frozen aisle.”

 This year’s contest will also honor winners in three distinct categories:

• Most Creative Packaging
• Most Disruptive Product
• Most Unique Promotional Campaign

Eligibility and Timeline:

• Companies must have entered retail within the past ten years.
• Annual retail sales for the product must range from $100,000 to $2 million as of February 1, 2025.
• Participants must be NFRA members in good standing or join by March 1, 2025.

For complete rules and entry forms, visit the NFRA website. Entry deadline is February 10.

About National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA)
NFRA is a non-profit trade association representing all segments of the frozen and refrigerated foods industry. NFRA sponsors national promotions ReDiscover Dairy & Frozen (January), March Frozen Food Month, June Dairy Month and Summer Favorites Ice Cream & Novelties (June/July); and provides consumer information such as food safety guidelines, meal preparation tips, recipes and sweepstakes opportunities through its Easy Home Meals consumer website and social media properties.