Naturally Boulder hosts Pitch Slam, awards ceremony Feb. 29

Naturally Boulder, a community of entrepreneurs, innovators and leading brands in the natural and organic products industry, will host a Pitch Slam, awards ceremony and innovation showcase from 4-8 p.m. Feb. 29 at the Jewish Community Center, 6007 Oreg Ave., Boulder, Colorado.

“We’re looking forward to gathering with our natural network and are inviting the community to cheer on the Pitch Slam finalists and industry award winners. This is one of our favorite events of the year—a unique evening to hear from the Pitch Slam finalists and network with Colorado innovators,” said Kristine Carey, executive director of Naturally Boulder.

Naturally Boulder’s 19th Annual Pitch Slam and Awards Ceremony is open to the public with special member pricing: non-members pay $144 and members pay $119. Registration on the day of the event costs $159 for everyone.

Join the fun at the premier event of the year. Ticket prices. After 1/31: Members, $119. Non-members, $144. Event Day Registration, $159 for all. Click here for tickets and to view the full schedule.  

Meet the Pitch Slam finalists 

Five companies have been selected for the Naturally Boulder Pitch Slam. The entrepreneurs are vying for Pitch Slam prize packages valued at over $100,000, including a coveted free booth at New Hope’s Newtopia Now Pitch Slam in 2024 plus a robust suite of business services from Colorado State University’s Food Innovation Center, Hefferen Insurance Brokers, Moxie Sozo and SPINS Proprietary Data.

Related:Naturally Boulder honors natural brands and leaders at its Annual Awards

Each Pitch Slam finalist will present a 3-minute overview of their company to a live audience of more than 300 people and answer judges’ questions:

Pitch Slam judges bring vast knowledge, experience 

A group of respected industry experts will judge the competition. Each judge will have an opportunity to ask questions, sample products and vote for the winners.

Darcy Landis, principal forager, Whole Foods Market  

Landis started her natural foods career with Whole Foods Market in 1999, where she has supported and developed dozens of brands. “I love the narrative of food, from historical roots to a maker’s personal story; exploring cultures, flavors and history through a shared meal with friends and family delights me again and again.”

Phil Mason, board member and operations consultant, Phil Mason, LLC

Mason is a 40-plus year veteran in the CPG food space. He began as a food technologist at General Foods and rose in the ranks of R&D, engineering and operations. He has worked for both the largest food companies and many growing companies that resulted in numerous exits, including Nestle, Evol Foods, Pinnacle, Thanasi, ConAgra and Meati. He is now a consultant to emerging food companies with a focus on driving productivity and profitability.

Matt Parry, CEO and founder, Good Crisp Company

Parry created The Good Crisp Company to help everyday people feel good about their snacking choices. In 2019, Parry moved his family from Australia to Boulder, Colorado, where he could concentrate on scaling the brand and production. He takes pride in creating snacks that taste good and help consumers feel good about the products they buy.

Katie Paul, SVP of merchandising, KeHE Distributors

As the senior vice president of merchandising for KeHE, Paul leads a team that develops supplier and retailer solutions based on analytics, profitability, consumer insights and category trends. In her 15 years at KeHE, Paul has worked in several divisions, including analytics, pricing, integration, category management and growth solutions. She serves as a KeHE Cares committee member, and as a Naturally Network and Naturally Chicago board member.

Kari Pedriana, co-founder and CEO, Green Spoon

Green Spoon represents disruptive and leading consumer packaged goods throughout the nation. Pedriana works with like-minded brands and people that share the desire to shake things up and bring exciting, high quality products to shelf. She leads her company with passion, integrity, and a dedication to going above and beyond for Green Spoon’s clients and for retailers.

Pitch Slam Innovation Showcase

Attendees and guests will have the opportunity to sample new, on-trend products from established member brands prior to the Pitch Slam and Awards Ceremony at the Innovation Showcase tabletop show. Ten companies will be displaying their services and products in The Innovation Showcase: Amari, Bar-U-Eat, Compass Natural Marketing, Corpse Reviver, Independent Power, MOR Kombucha, Paracas, Project Umami, Ringa and WishGarden Herbal Remedies.

Source: Naturally Boulder