Pitch Live, in partnership with IND!E, returns bigger and better for this year's edition of the Fair to offer a front-row view of the UK’s most exciting emerging and established food and drink brands pitching directly to independent and major retailers. Across two days, brands will present to buyers with the opportunity to secure shelf space and grow their presence in the market.

Nicola Woods, Event Manager for Speciality & Fine Food Fair, comments: "Pitch Live at Speciality & Fine Food Fair with IND!E is one of the standout events in our calendar for discovering emerging talent. It gives us a front-row seat to some of the most exciting new brands in food and drink, and a direct line to the founders behind them. The format is fast-paced, energetic, and full of potential, exactly the kind of environment that breeds retail success."

Matt & Hannah Hopkins, Founders of IND!E, add: "We’re thrilled to be back at the Speciality & Fine Food Fair in an even bigger way for 2025. Pitch Live, which this year forms part of IND!E's pavilion, has become one of the most exciting opportunities for challenger brands in the UK to get in front of serious retail buyers, and the energy in the room is always electric. Working with the team at the show to elevate small brands and bring fresh innovation to the market is a real privilege, and we can’t wait to see what this year’s line-up brings."

Day One: Independent Retailers, Selfridges, and Booths

Morning Session: Independent Retailers

Time: 10:00 – 10:45
Brands pitching:

• Drink No Crudo

• Dewkes Dog Food

• BOMBOM

• Louisa’s Honey

• Basalt Distillery

The panel of judges comprises Greg Ivison, Store Manager at Superette; Laura Roberts, Owner of Laura’s Larder; Nicki Stewart, Founding Director of Diverse Fine Foods; Sam Morgan, Co-Owner of Drapers Lane Deli; Tom Newey, CEO of Cobbs Farm; and Stefano Cuomo, CEO of Macknade.

Stefano Cuomo, CEO of Macknade, comments: "Another fantastic edition of the Fair comes around and I cannot wait to come across new products with relevant and compelling narratives focused on conscious consumption, and absolute clarity of objective from their founders."

Midday Session: Selfridges

Time: 12:30 – 13:15

Brands pitching:

• S’moreliscious

• Galvanina

• Teabird Tea

• Di Santo

• RishhRight

Judges for this session are Lucy Farrar, Assistant Buyer at Selfridges, and Maria Trapani, Fresh Food and Grocery Senior Buyer at Selfridges.

Afternoon Session: Booths

Time: 14:00 – 14:45

Brands pitching:

• Cookaway

• School Yard

• Rai Rai

• Tambia Coffee

• Honey Thief

Judges for this session include Carla Mills, Category Buying Manager; John Gill, Head of Marketing & Trading; Rebecca Bektas, Buyer; and Simon Drury, Category Buying Manager, all from Booths.

Day Two: Travel, Online, and Drinks

Morning Session: Travel and Specialty Buyers

Time: 10:30 – 11:15

Brands pitching:

• YEP Kitchen

• Sip Zero

• Bon Chocolate

• Tea Rebellion

• Mallard Point

Judges are Catrin Thorndike, Senior Buyer at International Airlines Group; Heerum Fleary, Director & Procurement Consultant at Tickeat Ltd; Jessica Hill, Senior Buyer at International Airlines Group; and Zoe Farmer, Commercial Consultant at International Airlines Group.

Midday Session: Ocado – Food

Time: 12:00 – 12:45

Brands pitching:

• Homi Kitchen

• Pickle Project

• Tudy’s Kitchen

• Hidden Fruits

Judges are Beverley Camarda, Commercial Ranging Lead; Freya O’Mara, Trading Manager for Pantry & Speciality Foods; Genevieve Fitch, Supplier Relationships Manager; and Lotty Lacey, Buyer, all from Ocado Retail.

Afternoon Session: Ocado – Drinks

Time: 13:30 – 14:15

Brands pitching:

• Ferment Fizz

• Barti Rum

• Pomme Blush

• Yo Goody

• DrinkRishh

Judges are Beverley Camarda, Commercial Ranging Lead; Freya O’Mara, Trading Manager for Pantry & Speciality Foods; Genevieve Fitch, Supplier Relationships Manager; Lotty Lacey, Buyer; and Shauna Clark Fitzpatrick, Buyer for Low, No and Mid-Strength & RTD Alcohol, all from Ocado Retail.