Startup CPG, Los Angeles, CA (2026)

02/10/2026

Applications for the 2026 Shelfie Awards open April 14th - here’s everything you need to know to enter 👇 
The Shelfies are the largest FREE awards program built exclusively for emerging CPG brands. No fees. No barriers. Just recognition for exceptional products. 
If you’ve got standout innovation, a compelling story, or packaging that turns heads, start prepping now.

Here’s how it works:
↗️ Fill out the application form when applications open in April
↗️ Ship your product samples to arrive between April 16-30 (shelf-stable products) or May 4-6 (refrigerated/frozen products)
↗️ Send only 1 product per SKU, up to 3 SKUs max — brands that send more will be disqualified
↗️ Our team will taste and evaluate all submissions during our May tasting sessions
↗️ Finalists announced: Early August 2026
↗️ Winners announced: Late August 2026 
We’re looking for products that make us stop mid-bite, brand stories that give us chills, and packaging we can’t stop staring at. 
Start prepping now - April 14th will be here before you know it ✨ 

02/09/2026

Introducing the 2026 Startup CPG Alley Rally BREAKOUT BRANDS! 
These 40 emerging brands are bringing the heat at Expo West—sampling their incredible innovations at our legendary party. And here’s where YOU come in: taste, experience, and vote for your favorite to win a FREE BOOTH at Expo West 2027! 
From innovative sauces and beverages to better-for-you snacks and functional foods—these brands are pushing the boundaries of what’s next in CPG. 
Swipe to see the full lineup and get ready to taste innovation! Grab your ticket at the link in bio! 
Who are you most excited to try? Drop a comment below!

 *Part 2of 2 posts. Check our profile for the rest!

02/09/2026

Introducing the 2026 Startup CPG Alley Rally BREAKOUT BRANDS! 
These 40 emerging brands are bringing the heat at Expo West—sampling their incredible innovations at our legendary party. And here’s where YOU come in: taste, experience, and vote for your favorite to win a FREE BOOTH at Expo West 2027! 
From innovative sauces and beverages to better-for-you snacks and functional foods—these brands are pushing the boundaries of what’s next in CPG. 
Swipe to see the full lineup and get ready to taste innovation! Grab your ticket at the link in bio! 
Who are you most excited to try? Drop a comment below!

 *Part 1 of 2 posts. Check our profile for the rest!

02/06/2026

In celebration of Black History Month, we’re spotlighting Black-owned brands in the Startup CPG community. Explore some of the businesses below that continue to shape and strengthen the CPG industry: 
Black Beverly Hills - organic sea moss lemonade
CW Dressings - date fruit-infused sauces and dressings
Dr A’s Lo-Fi Kava - non-alcoholic sparkling kava beverages
Food with Roots - pimento cheeses crafted by a 2-time James Beard Award winning chef
Ginny - non-alcoholic sparkling beverages packed with 4000mg of adaptogens
Mac Squares - no sugar added baked mac and cheese bites
N/UM - artisan salts from Africa
O’kra - flavored sparkling Okra water
Ocemiamı - French baby cakes and banana bread
Old Hillside Bourbon Company - Bourbon honoring heritage and Hillside High school - the oldest African American high school in the US
PAPA’s Rice - authentic Afro-Caribbean pre-cooked rice
Play Pits - natural deodorant for smelly kids
Soul Grain - granola crafted with soul food flavors
Steepers Only - organic teas in biodegradable bags made from non GMO sugar cane
The Saucy African - African simmer sauces and seasonings
TING A LING - Caribbean jerk sauce and marinade
Uncle Waithley’s Beverage Company, Inc. - all-natural fresh Mixologist Crafted Caribbean-inspired beverages
Yoro - plant-powered energy drinks and stick packs
Butter’d Bodycare - next gen of better-for-us, moisturizing body care.   Who’s your favorite Black-owned brand? Let us know in the comments! 

02/05/2026

Meet MORE of the featured guests coming to Startup CPG’s 5th Annual Alley Rally 🎳🛒🏃‍♂️ 
We’re bringing our proven Grocery Run format to the party — and the guest list keeps getting bigger. 
Leaders from Hungryroot, Ahold Delhaize USA, Good Stuff Distributor, Metropolitan Market, Kimberton Whole Foods, Gourmet Internationals, and more will be there to connect, sample brands, and celebrate the CPG community. 
Stay tuned for more VIP guests. Who are you most excited to see? . . 

01/30/2026

Meet the 68 brands heading to our SOLD OUT KeHE Grocery Run 🛒

Some of the most innovative brands in the community are showing up for our biggest Grocery Run yet.

If you grabbed a ticket in advance, you’re in luck — swipe through to see the incredible brands sampling. 👀

This Grocery Run is exclusively for brands not yet in KeHE Distributors. KeHE’s team and buyers will be voting on which brands they want to see picked up, and with top-tier buyers actively looking for what’s next, this lineup is seriously stacked.

Part 4 of this 4 posts. Check our profile for the rest!

01/30/2026

Meet the 68 brands heading to our SOLD OUT KeHE Grocery Run 🛒

Some of the most innovative brands in the community are showing up for our biggest Grocery Run yet.

If you grabbed a ticket in advance, you’re in luck — swipe through to see the incredible brands sampling. 👀

This Grocery Run is exclusively for brands not yet in KeHE Distributors. KeHE’s team and buyers will be voting on which brands they want to see picked up, and with top-tier buyers actively looking for what’s next, this lineup is seriously stacked.

Part 3 of this 4 posts. Check our profile for the rest!

01/30/2026

Meet the 68 brands heading to our SOLD OUT KeHE Grocery Run 🛒

Some of the most innovative brands in the community are showing up for our biggest Grocery Run yet.

If you grabbed a ticket in advance, you’re in luck — swipe through to see the incredible brands sampling. 👀

This Grocery Run is exclusively for brands not yet in KeHE Distributors. KeHE’s team and buyers will be voting on which brands they want to see picked up, and with top-tier buyers actively looking for what’s next, this lineup is seriously stacked.

Part 2 of this 4 posts. Check our profile for the rest!

01/30/2026

Meet the 68 brands heading to our SOLD OUT KeHE Grocery Run 🛒

Some of the most innovative brands in the community are showing up for our biggest Grocery Run yet.

If you grabbed a ticket in advance, you’re in luck — swipe through to see the incredible brands sampling. 👀

This Grocery Run is exclusively for brands not yet in KeHE Distributors. KeHE’s team and buyers will be voting on which brands they want to see picked up, and with top-tier buyers actively looking for what’s next, this lineup is seriously stacked.

Part 1 of this 4 posts. Check our profile for the rest!

01/26/2026

Meet some more of our newest additions to the Startup CPG community! If you’re tagged, introduce your brand below - tell us what you’re all about!

🌶️
👶
🥣
🔥
🌮
🥤
☕
🍪
⚖️ .co
🍳
🍵
🍷
🍷
🍸
🥑
🥤
☕
🌿
🩸
🍹

You might be asking yourself “how does my brand get featured?” Hop over to the Slack community, introduce your brand in the introductions channel, and be sure to share your socials, website, and make sure your product images are LIVE! Check all these boxes? Voila! You’ve entered the queue to become featured.

We have many brands joining daily - so patience, friends! 😎

01/20/2026

Meet some more of our newest additions to the Startup CPG community! If you’re tagged, introduce your brand below - tell us what you’re all about!

🥂
✨
🥥
🧀
🥨
🥐
🧘
🧼 .remain
🏃‍♂️
🍺
☀️
☕ .coffee
🌍
🥐 .ca
☕
🦈
⏳
🪷
🥬
🥓

You might be asking yourself “how does my brand get featured?” Hop over to the Slack community, introduce your brand in the introductions channel, and be sure to share your socials, website, and make sure your product images are LIVE! Check all these boxes? Voila! You’ve entered the queue to become featured.

We have many brands joining daily - so patience, friends! 😎

01/14/2026

Ally Rally just got an upgrade! 🎳🛒 
For five years, Alley Rally has been a must-attend during Expo West. This year, we’re making it even more valuable by integrating the proven Grocery Run format—designed to drive real connections between brands and buyers. 
We’re expanding Breakout Brands in a big way, selecting 40 brands to sample during the event. Attendees will vote for their favorite brand, and the brand with the most votes will earn a FREE booth in our section at Expo West 2027. 
🍸 3-hour open bar 🎯 Bowling, arcade, pool & games 🤝 Structured buyer interactions with VIP buyers from Target, Whole Foods, KeHE, UNFI, Meijer, and more 📍 Bowlero Anaheim — 10 minutes from Expo 
Last year we sold out with 1,300+ attendees, so don’t wait to grab your tickets. 
Apply to be a Breakout Brand or grab your tickets at the link in bio. 
AlleyRally

Startup CPG

02/10/2026

02/09/2026

02/09/2026

02/06/2026

02/05/2026

01/30/2026

01/30/2026

01/30/2026

01/30/2026

01/26/2026

01/20/2026

01/14/2026

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