SEATTLE, April 20, 2026 — Naturally Seattle is excited to announce this year’s finalists for “Naturally Rising” a regional pitch competition spotlighting the next generation of purpose-driven consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands. The finalists will compete live on April 30, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and hosted at Seattle University, where one standout company will take home a prize package valued at more than $5,000 and advance to the national pitch competition at Newtopia Now in Denver, Colorado in August 2026.
“Naturally Rising is a platform for emerging brands to connect with retailers, investors, and mentors who can help them grow,” shares India Nagy, Executive Director of Naturally Seattle.
Meet the Finalists: 5 Grocery Store Stand-Outs
This year’s finalists represent several of the fastest-growing categories in the natural products industry, including food, beverages and household products.
· Future of Cool – A climate-conscious brand offering innovative cooling wipes, body sprays, and soaps crafted with clean ingredients and sustainable design.
· Dappled Tonic – A premium line of non-alcoholic craft beverages to enjoy over ice or mixed with your favorite spirit.
· Bluebird Grain Farms – Regenerative agriculture pioneers providing 100 percent certified organic ancient whole grains, fresh milled flour, and handcrafted blends.
· Still/Spark – A zero-proof botanical beverage brand crafted to gently shift mood and bring depth, calm, and clarity to everyday drinking.
· I Am Hot Honey – A bold, small-batch hot honey brand blending sweetness and heat to elevate everyday foods, crafted with high-quality ingredients.
Each finalist will deliver a live pitch to a panel of judges made up of retailers, investors, and industry leaders from the natural products ecosystem.
Seattle’s Growing Role a Food Hub
Seattle may be best known for as a tech-driven and caffeinated city, but it is rapidly emerging as hub innovative food and consumer brands.
Part of that momentum comes from the region’s entrepreneurial DNA. Nagy shares, “Seattle has long had a rebellious, counter-culture streak, and many founders are channeling that spirit into building brands that prioritize values alongside growth. In recent years, a growing number of entrepreneurs have turned their attention toward creating companies that reflect their personal missions around health, sustainability, and transparency.”
“People here care deeply about what they eat, where it comes from, and the values behind the brands they support,” Nagy said. “That makes Seattle an ideal place for emerging CPG companies to grow.”
Join the Community on April 30, 2026
Aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage companies are encouraged to attend to learn from and be inspired by peers and build connections.
Attendees will have the opportunity to:
- Hear live pitches from the region’s most promising emerging brands
- Connect with founders, investors, and retail buyers
- Gain inspiration and insight into the rapidly growing natural products industry
About Naturally Seattle
Naturally Seattle is a community-focused organization that brings together entrepreneurs, retailers, investors, and industry experts to support the growth of natural and better-for-you CPG brands in the Pacific Northwest. Through events, education, and community programs, Naturally Seattle helps emerging companies accelerate their retail success and industry impact.
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