The Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA-headquartered National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) has announced winners of the third annual Penguin Pitch Emerging Brand Contest, a program designed to spotlight up-and-coming brands reshaping frozen and refrigerated food aisles in supermarkets and other retail stores through innovation, flavor, and purpose.
The association’s top honor, the Grand Prize and Emerging Brand of the Year, was awarded to Folkland Foods Potato Tots, recognized for its clean ingredients and bold branding.
Three brands earned top honors in the following categories:
• Best Promotional Strategy – DiFara Vodka Sauce Pizza, for its integrated social and in-store approach
• Most Disruptive Product – Frönen Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bar, praised for dairy-free ingredients and on-trend flavor
• Most Creative Packaging – Skinny Butcher Crazy Dippers, noted for unique packaging and creative logo
The winners were selected from a group of seven finalists announced in March and evaluated by a panel of industry judges based on product samples and promotional materials. In addition to the companies and products listed above, other finalists included: Mad Mutz – The Stingerz; Ripi Foods – Beef Short Rib Ravioli; and San Diablo Artisan Churros – Take & Bake Churros.
“The Penguin Pitch highlights brands that are driving meaningful innovation across the frozen and refrigerated aisles,” said Tricia Greyshock, NFRA’s president and chief executive officer. “This year’s group stands out for its creativity, product differentiation and ability to meet evolving consumer expectations.”
As part of its recognition as Grand Prize winner, Folkland Foods will be given a featured table at Café NFRA during the trade association’s October 17-20 convention in National Harbor, Maryland.
