Naturally Rising 2026
Formerly called Pitch Slam, Naturally Rising is Naturally Network’s premier pitch competition for conscious CPG brands. Every year, brands from across the ecosystem apply for the chance to compete in their home chapter’s regional competition, with finalists from each chapter moving on to compete in the final national round. Each regional finalist from across 11 Naturally chapters will take the stage at this year’s Newtopia Now in Denver, CO, showcasing purpose-driven businesses built for retail success and grounded in the 5 Ps: Passion, Purpose, People, Planet, and Prosperity.
You can add on the pitch competition directly to your agenda when you register for Newtopia Now. Register here!
Meet the Regional Winners 🏆
Naturally Austin
Winner: Tozi Foods
Naturally Colorado
Grand Champion: Dry Storage
Emerging Impact: Old Salt
People’s Choice: Mungfu
Naturally Seattle
Winner: Bluebird Grain Farms
People’s Choice: Future of Cool
Naturally New England
Winner: American Vinegar Works
Audience Choice: Hillside Harvest
Naturally NorCal
Grand Prize: Pezzy Pets
Second Place: KIMPOPS
Don Buder People’s Choice: Mama Teav’s
Emerging Impact: Pezzy Pets
Naturally Minnesota
First place: Farmented
Second place: Hoyo Sambusa
Third Place: Bluehorn Tea
Audience Choice: Bluehorn Tea
MN Dept of Ag Ready to Grow: Lovejoy’s
Naturally New York
Grand Prize: NADAS Empanadas
Audience Choice: Figa Foods
Naturally San Diego
Grand Prize: FAVE
Runner Up: Flora Flora
People’s Choice: SUNMUD
Naturally Wisconsin
Winner: Teddy’s Tallow Chips
Emerging Impact: Alaska Fresh Seafood
Audience Choice: Tortilleria Zepeda
Naturally Chicago
Grand Prize: RMBR
Runner Up: Vitaminis
Meet all the Regional Finalists 🎉
Click through to learn more about each finalist!
The Naturally Rising Experience
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Apply to Pitch
Naturally Rising applications open November 2025 and any Naturally member brands under $2M are invited to apply. There is one application for ALL regional Naturally Chapters.
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Regional Finalist Process
Each chapter will select a cohort of finalists to compete at their chapter’s Naturally Rising pitch competition. Finalists will be assigned a mentor to prepare for competition day. What makes this competition different? All applicants will get access to retail readiness resources!
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Regional Competition
Each Naturally chapter will host an in-person competition locally where each regional finalist will present their four minute pitch, followed by a four minute Q&A from the judges. A regional winner will be chosen to represent their Naturally chapter at the national competition at Newtopia Now in Denver.
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National Competition
The Naturally Rising national pitch competition will feature retail ready, purpose-driven brands on stage as part of Newtopia Now. Each regional winner will receive a complimentary booth as a part of their regional winner package from New Hope Network and exhibit as part of the Naturally Rising finalist pavilion on the show floor.
** IMPORTANT: A Newtopia Now attendee badge is required to attend Naturally Rising this year. The event is a $50 add-on selected during registration. Your ticket includes an exclusive Naturally Rising t-shirt, two free drinks & light bites.
How to register for Naturally Rising at Newtopia Now:
On the Newtopia Now website, click “Register”
Select “Attendee Registration” and complete your Newtopia Now registration as usual
On the “Community Experiences and Networking” page, select: The Naturally Rising Pitch Slam and ConsciousCPG Awards presented by Naturally Network