If you are listening to this episode on release day, you may notice it's not Tuesday! That's because I wanted to bring you the Startup CPG news hot off the press: a recap of the 2022 Shelfie Awards! If you aren't aware, we have our very own annual industry award competition at Startup CPG, and yesterday was the Second Annual Shelfies Awards Ceremony, proudly sponsored by Trax Retail, where we recognized the most promising emerging food & beverage brands. Startup CPG wanted to create opportunities for industry recognition with no entry fee, no essays, and only for emerging brands. We had over 300 brands submit over 600 products! Finalists were chosen in 13 categories, and then last night, we had a live awards show with 200 people across the country, virtual and in-person, where 14 winners were announced (there was one tie!). I thought it'd be fun to get an event debrief and learn more about the awards from Jenna Movsowitz, head of marketing and editor of “The Spotlight” at Startup CPG. We didn't have time to discuss every winner and finalist, even though we love them all so much, so I've linked in the show notes the magazine editions that have links to all the brands you'll be wanting to try and celebrate. Jenna shares trends from all the award submissions and also, how to apply for upcoming other opportunities to be recognized and featured by Startup CPG. So pop the champagne, or maybe kombucha if you are driving, and celebrate with us!

Episode Links:

• Startup CPG Spotlight Magazine - Velocity edition with the finalists
• Startup CPG Special Shelfie Winners Spotlight Magazine link
• Link to sponsor Trax Retail
• Food Business News article about the Shelfies
• Jenna's LinkedIn
• Startup CPG Brand Intake Form
• Startup CPG's Instagram @startupcpg for more Shelfie Content
• Winners and finalists mentioned: Baozza, Balkan Bites, For Good, Popadelics, AWSM Sauce, New York Shuk, Mojo Microdose, Niramaya, Sung's Korean Hot Sauce, Tiny Sprouts, Craftmix, Lil Bucks, Renewal Mill, Reveal
• Other brands mentioned: gr8nola, Lunar Seltzer, Must Love, Halmi, Aura Bora, Tache, PKN, Lechia, Living Prana, Tsubi, Wholly Veggie, Snow Days, Shameless Pets, Chia Smash

Show Links:

• Join the Startup CPG Slack community (8K+ members and growing!)
• Follow @startupcpg
• Visit host Jessi's Linkedin or website
• Questions or comments about the episode? Email Jessi at jessi@startupcpg.com