May 22 | Farm Fresh Rhode Island
Celebrate the Next Wave of CPG Innovators in our Second Annual Pitch Slam Competition
Get your early bird tickets by May 1st!
THREE WAYS TO BE A PART THE COMPETITION: PITCH, SHOWCASE, ATTEND
Apply to Pitch
Pitch your brand in front of top investors, retailers, and industry leaders. Gain unmatched exposure, expert mentorship, and the chance to win valuable prizes to fuel your growth.
Applications are now closed.
Showcase Your Brand
Be part of the Brand Showcase and feature your product or service at the event to build valuable connections with retailers, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs.
Spots are free for NNE members and Farm Fresh RI affiliates.
Apply by April 18!
Attend & Support
Join us for an amazing evening to support emerging brands pitch their ideas, explore innovative products, and connect with our incredible community.
Tickets include an open bar, dinner, pitch event, showcase hall, and networking.
Space is limited. This event sells out every year—grab your ticket now!
MEET OUR JUDGES
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Nancy Sacco
Senior Director
BJ’s Wholesale Club
Nancy Sacco is a passionate brand builder and strategic leader with experience in both CPG and retail. She has held leadership roles at BJ’s Wholesale Club, Newell Brands, and General Mills, where she has scaled businesses, launched breakthrough products, and unlocked new market opportunities. With a sharp focus on strategy, innovation, and consumer insights, she helps brands differentiate, grow, and succeed in competitive markets. -
Denise Lambertson
Founder & Managing Partner
Constellation CapitalDenise Lambertson is a consumer marketing expert, angel investor, and founder of Constellation Capital. She pioneered the celebrity-startup partnership model in 2009, helping build brands like Core Water, Thrive Market, and Therabody. Now, she focuses on early-stage CPG investments through Constellation Capital, backing brands like Magic Spoon and poppi.
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Elizabeth Eddy
Category Analyst HBC-Beauty
STOP & SHOPLizzy Eddy Harris currently oversees Beauty at Stop & Shop, with previous experience in Coffee, Tea, and Juice. She specializes in curating product assortments and optimizing promotions to bring the best products to customers while helping both emerging and established brands grow. Outside of work, she enjoys beach days, exploring state parks with her Bernese Mountain Dog, Hank, and cozy movie nights with her cats, Shady and CeCe.
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John Lawson
Forager for Local & Emerging Brands
Whole Foods MarketJohn Lawson has worked at Whole Foods Market for more than 20 years, as a team leader, regional buyer, and local forager.
John’s current role allows him to support fledgling CPG suppliers & entrepreneurs in the food space. John is based in New York. -
Karen Farrell
Vice-President - Brand Services
PRESENCE MarketingWith 28 years in the Natural Products Industry, Karen Farrell has led sales, brokerage, and brand strategy. She founded Topline Marketing, later acquired by PRESENCE, where she now oversees go-to-market strategies for emerging brands. Passionate about herbalism and sustainability, she’s also restoring endangered native medicinal plants on her Maine property.
MEET OUR MC
Melissa Traverse
Director of Community, BevNET
Melissa Traverse has spent nearly 20 years in the CPG industry, building expertise across retail, brand, and consulting roles. She spent a significant portion of her career at Whole Foods Market before joining a startup brand and later Rodeo CPG, where she worked with emerging brands on retail strategy and sales.
Now, as Director of Community at BevNET, NOSH, and Brewbound, Melissa creates content and fosters connections that help industry professionals grow their businesses, navigate challenges, and accelerate success.
