The Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA-headquartered National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) has announced the winners of its first Penguin Pitch: Emerging Brand Contest. Designed to identify the next big name within grocery store frozen and refrigerated aisles, the competition vetted entries down to eight top finalists who impressed judges with innovative products and creative approaches.
The context included a diverse range of entries, with a judging panel tasting and evaluating samples of the following finalists:
• Big Mozz: Offering a fresh take on frozen mozzarella sticks with a cleaner label and delicious taste.
• Laoban Dumplings and Wow Bao: Both offering restaurant-quality frozen bao buns, capitalizing on the steamed dumpling trend.
• Lopaus Point: Showcasing frozen blueberry waffles with an emphasis on wholesome ingredients.
• MingsBings: Celebrity Chef Ming Tsai’s Supreme Pizza Bings, a unique twist on pizza rolls.
• Mona’s Curryations: Authentic yet easy to prepare Chicken Tikka Masala entrée.
• Unlimeat: Plant-based Korean BBQ sliced “beef” for a plant-forward option.
• Armored Fresh: Oat milk sliced American cheese that easily melts.
The Grand Prize, awarded for Overall Excellence, went to Big Mozz for its giant-sized, authentically crafted, made with clean ingredients, mozzarella sticks.
Taking home the Most Unique Promotional Campaign award was MingsBings, praised for its “crispy and flavorful taste, great size, and innovative fusion meal solutions.” Its multi-serving packaging and diverse cooking options, along with engaging marketing tactics, impressed the judges.
Lopaus Point’s focus on wholesome ingredients and attractive packaging earned the Creative Packaging win.
For the Most Disruptive Product award, Wow Bao topped all contenders for its buns’ restaurant-ready appeal and authentic taste.
“The Penguin Pitch is a unique way for us to celebrate the industry’s constant innovation, while recognizing emerging brands looking to make a big impact,” said Tricia Greyshock, NFRA president and chief executive officer. “These products represent a taste of the future, offering options that consumers can really get excited about.”
In winning top honors, Big Mozz will receive a coveted table spot at Café NFRA during this year’s NFRA Convention, October 5-8, 2024, in National Harbor, Maryland. This opportunity will allow the company to showcase its product directly to industry retail leaders and decision-makers, positioning them for further success in the frozen foods market.
More information about the convention is available by visiting: www.nfraconvention.org.
