Penguin Pitch Awards

Entry Requirements

• Company must be a member of NFRA in good standing (if not currently a member, Company must join before February 12, 2027);
• Retail sales for the Product must be greater than $100,000 annually by February 1, 2027
• Viable distribution supply chain to scale rapidly
• Near-term sales growth faster than category
• New ingredients, benefits, packaging, format, production, or usage occasion
• Introduced within the past 5 years
• No line extensions

Winner Selection

Winners will be selected by a set of industry leaders associated with the National Frozen & Refrigerated Association. The panel is composed of a combination of individuals representing large and small retailers, manufacturers, industry services, and associations. Judges will review all submitted applications and videos along with the physical selling unit and final prepared consumer product.

Judges will score each product by the following criteria:

• Uniqueness –  50%
  • Consumer benefit claim
  • Ingredients
  • Packaging
  • Supply chain Readiness
  • Marketing
• Functionality – 30%
  • Packaging
  • Preparation
  • Taste
• Excitement- 20%
  • Willingness to purchase

2026 Grand Prize Winner and Emerging Brand of the Year

• Best Promotional Strategy: DiFara Vodka Sauce Pizza
• Most Disruptive Product: Frönen Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bar
• Most Creative Packaging: Skinny Butcher Crazy Dippers

2027 Prizes

• Grand Prize Winner will receive a Café NFRA table at the 2027 NFRA Convention (October 9-12, 2027, in San Diego, CA) to display and promote their product. (valued at approximately $7,500) Any costs associated with shipping, handling, receiving, prepping, and sampling the product, as well as travel and accommodations, will be at the Entrant’s expense.
• One complimentary NFRA Convention registration (valued at $825)
• Trophy awarded during NFRA Convention
• Use of Emerging Brand logo to promote product
• Bragging rights

Honorable Mention Category Prizes
Honorable mention honorees will receive one complimentary NFRA Convention registration (valued at $825) plus use of Emerging Brand logo and bragging rights.