Startup CPG
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We're here to elevate young CPG brands through opportunities to shine, access to decision makers, and vital resources.
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IT’S HERE… the Sixth Annual Shelfie Awards Ceremony is happening!🏆
Join us for our “red carpet” Awards Ceremony celebrating the finalists and winners of the 2026 Shelfie Awards — the largest free awards program built exclusively for emerging CPG brands.
Tune in from anywhere in the world to find out who took home a Shelfie this year, hear our judges break down what they loved (and what surprised them), and nerd out over the incredible innovation happening in our space. This year was our biggest yet — 600+ brands submitted, 2,000+ products judged — and the field was STACKED.
All are welcome. Whether you’re a brand that entered, a buyer on the hunt for what’s next, or just a CPG nerd who loves discovering great products — pull up a chair.
Our mission at Startup CPG is to elevate emerging consumer brands. We created the Shelfies specifically to tear down the cost and labor barriers that keep early-stage brands out of big-name awards. Free to enter, judged by real industry insiders, built for 1–10 person teams doing remarkable things.
This is their moment. Come celebrate with us. 🎉
📅 Aug 24th 🕙 10am PT / 1pm ET
Comment “SHELFIE LIVE“ to get the link to sign up!
08/20/2026
Pitch Slam In Denver, at Newtopia with our partners at Advantage Solutions | FDM was a hit!
Brands took the stage to pitch in front of buyers from UNFI, Sprouts Farmers Market, The Fresh Market, Whole Foods Market, Woodlands Market, Raley’s and more, with an incredible panel of judges from across the industry 🖤. The room was full of energy, innovation, and powerful brand stories as founders competed for $100K in services through the Advantage Solutions | FDM Brand Accelerator Program!!!
Huge thanks to our judges, partners, and everyone who joined us to watch the action and connect with fellow founders and buyers. And a big congratulations to the winner: Boostcous 🙌🏼✨
Our team is on the road! Here are the team favorites from the Denver Grocery Run🏃🏻♀️🛒🤸🏻
08/20/2026
Rho is the Official Banking Partner of the 2026 Startup CPG Shelfies 🏆
Rho gives emerging CPG brands the banking and finance tools to move fast and scale smart, all in one place.
Shelfies wouldn’t be possible without our sponsors. Thank you, Rho! 🙌
We’re at Newtopia Now! ✨🎉
Come find us in the Startup CPG section at the booth #1622 in the Thrive neighborhood
Stop by, say hi, and discover the next generation of emerging food & beverage brands. We can’t wait to see you again tomorrow!
Our final stop on the Founders & Funders Roadshow is a wrap - and SF delivered! 🚗💰🗺️
We brought together investors and brands for 1:1 meetings, meaningful networking, and a panel on Pitch Perfect: Retailer vs Investor Pitches and Brand evaluations.
Thank you to our speakers Jordana Fuche-Cheeney of Good Lisa Sugar of Sugar Capital, Wayne Wu of VMG for bringing the insights and making it such a meaningful conversation.
Next stop: our main Founders & Funders event back in NYC on December 10th 💰
A huge thank you to our sponsors who make all of this possible - Rosenthal Capital Group, Circana, Coverwatch, Cozen O’Connor, Rho, and nDepth Consulting.
08/18/2026
BevSource Inc is a proud sponsor of the 2026 Startup CPG Shelfies 🏆
Every beverage brand starts with an idea, and for 20+ years, BevSource has helped founders turn that idea into a product on the shelf.
Shelfies wouldn’t be possible without our sponsors. Thank you, BevSource! 🙌
This is your sign to apply for Founders & Funders 2026! 💰
Spots are limited, and we already have over 100 applications, get yours in before applications are closed 👀
Last December, 160 of the year’s highest quality emerging brands met with 70 of the most active consumer investors for 600+ curated 1:1 meetings-all in one day. Since then, real relationships have turned into closed rounds.
This December, we’re back in NYC and raising the bar: 200 brands, 100+ investors, an investor network that’s grown 3x since last year, and even more pre-scheduled 1:1 meetings.
If you’re planning to raise in 2026 or 2027, this is the room you need to be in where fundraising conversations start.
✨Applications close October 1 at 5 PM PT, and we review on a rolling basis—so the sooner you apply, the better.
👉Comment “Founders & Funders” below and we’ll send you the application.
08/17/2026
CALLING ALL DAIRY & BEV BRANDS: We’re here with an exciting opportunity to pitch your brand directly to the Sprouts team on October 14 in Phoenix, Arizona! 🥛🧈
We’ve done a Pitch Slam with Sprouts before, but this is the first one just for Bev & Dairy!
✨ Here’s how it works: Apply via the form below, The Sprouts team will hand-select brands they want to meet, and If selected, show up in Phoenix on October 14 for your dedicated slot.
✨The Sprouts team is looking for brands in the following categories: Shelf-Ambient & Refrigerated Beverages, Butter and Spreads, Dairy Juices, Dairy Yogurt, Dairy Vegetarian Products, Dairy Byproducts, Refrigerated Alternative Milk, Dairy Milk, and Refrigerated Baking & Bars.
Applications will remain open until slots are filled, and you’ll hear back as soon as decisions are made.
If you’re in one of the above categories and are interested in Sprouts, apply now!
👉Comment “SPROUTS PITCH “ to APPLY
Someone stole the Shelfies Awards trophy… 👀🏆
Tag a Shelfies finalist you’re rooting for or introduce your brand in the comments below! 👇🏻
Shelfies winners will be announced on August 24th.
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.