Packaging Innovations & Empack Reveal Selected Companies for Pitch the Co-Packers 2026
Four high-potential start-ups to present market-ready ideas to leading UK co-packers.
www.easyfairs.com
Packaging Innovations & Empack, in partnership with British Contract Manufacturers and Packers Association (BCMPA), have announced the four pioneering companies selected to take part in Pitch the Co-Packers 2026 – a fast-paced, Dragons’ Den-style session spotlighting the UK’s most innovative start-ups and early-stage brands.
The 2026 edition brings together four brands with bold propositions and clear commercial ambition:
- HANGOV Group Ltd – The UK’s first biotech pre-drink supplement, developed with science-backed ingredients to support energy, hydration, gut balance and liver health before and after alcohol consumption. Positioned at the crossroads of wellness and social lifestyle, HANGOV targets performance-driven professionals and health-conscious socialisers.
- Hydracaddie Golf Nutrition – Addressing a long-standing nutrition gap in amateur golf, Hydracaddie has created a caffeine-free electrolyte sachet with just 0.2 g of sugar. Designed to fuel golfers effectively on the course, it brings performance nutrition into the golfing mainstream.
- Naija Flavia Foods – A modern food brand making authentic Nigerian flavours accessible to everyday kitchens. Rooted in Nigerian heritage and developed in London, the brand offers premium West African sauces such as Egusi Stew, Ayamase (Ofada Sauce) and Jollof Stew, translating traditional recipes into convenient formats for modern consumers.
- RED-Scue High Carb Energy Jar – An award-winning sports nutrition brand tackling chronic under-fuelling in athletes. Founded by a former international track athlete, RED-Scue produces portable, high-carbohydrate energy jars and is now seeking scalable co-packing and packaging solutions to meet rising demand.
During the session, the selected companies will pitch their products, outline packaging challenges and share growth ambitions with a panel of industry leaders, including Andrew Dawson, CEO at IPS; Laura Ball, Marketing & Business Development Director at PHL Group; Mike Williams, Co-Founder at Flake Bake; and Mitch Lee, Sales Lead at PACK’D. The panel brings deep expertise across co-packing, FMCG, manufacturing and entrepreneurship, offering practical insight into building successful brand–packer partnerships.
“Pitch the Co-Packers is a fantastic platform for early-stage brands to showcase their ideas and connect directly with the UK’s leading co-packers,” said Emma Verkaik, CEO of BCMPA. “It’s not just about pitching – it’s about opening doors, building partnerships and helping ambitious concepts scale into market-ready success stories.”
Casey Hugh, Conference & Community Manager – UK & Global at Easyfairs, added: “Each of these brands demonstrates creativity, vision and a strong understanding of how the right packaging and manufacturing support can accelerate growth. Sessions like this are vital for driving innovation across the UK’s contract packing and manufacturing sector.”
Pitch the Co-Packers 2026 will take place at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 on Thursday, 12 February, from 11:30 to 12:30, on the Supply Chain Stage. The session offers attendees a behind-the-scenes look at how start-ups scale through co-packing, alongside real-world insights into packaging, production and growth strategy.
Open to start-ups and early-stage brands across food & drink, health & wellness, beauty, nutraceuticals, pet care and household products, Pitch the Co-Packers provides visibility, expert feedback and the potential for long-term co-packing partnerships.
www.easyfairs.com
