Cotto Wins NIQ’s 2026 Founders Pitch Slam, Securing Over $750,000 in Growth Support

On June 10, 2026, NIQ Global Intelligence Plc (NYSE: NIQ) announced the winner of its highly anticipated Founders Pitch Slam during the C360 event. This year's competition showcased five promising startups—Craftmix, Cotto, ESW Beauty, Lumen, and Rotten—each vying for a grand prize package valued at more than $750,000. The event culminated with Cotto being crowned the champion, earning not only a cash award of $50,000 but also invaluable in-kind support to aid its growth trajectory.

The Founders Pitch Slam emerged as a critical platform for new consumer brands grappling with an ever-changing retail landscape characterized by shifting consumer expectations, the rise of digital commerce, and fierce competition for market presence. As consumer trends evolve, long-term success is increasingly reliant on brands' abilities to comprehend and respond to market signals swiftly. The Pitch Slam is designed to empower these emerging brands with the insights and connections necessary for sustainable growth.

Founded by Kendall Kransdorf, Cotto has made a name for itself with its innovative line of high-protein dips crafted from whipped cottage cheese. By reimagining classic flavors, Cotto delivers smooth, savory dips that contain naturally occurring protein without the use of gums, fillers, or added powders, making it a health-conscious choice for consumers.

Winning the Pitch Slam provides Cotto with exclusive access to NIQ’s extensive resources, including a team of data and analytics experts who will help the brand refine its growth strategy and deepen its understanding of consumer behavior and market opportunities.

Brandon Galindo, Managing Director of Emerging Brands at NIQ, praised Cotto for embodying the spirit of the Founders Pitch Slam. "Cotto represents exactly the kind of brand the Founders Pitch Slam was built for, and we are proud to recognize their vision and entrepreneurship," he stated. He emphasized that today's successful brands must be adept at understanding consumer needs early on, identifying opportunities rapidly, and making informed decisions as they scale.

As one of the most prominent CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) pitch competitions, the Founders Pitch Slam provides emerging entrepreneurs with an unparalleled opportunity to present their brands in front of a live panel of industry judges. With the competition now in its fourth year, it reflects NIQ’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation across the consumer landscape, from up-and-coming challengers to established giants in the retail and manufacturing sectors.

Runner-up contestants in this year's competition also received in-kind prizes, further emphasizing NIQ's dedication to nurturing a diverse range of emerging brands.

Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Kendall Kransdorf shared her excitement about the future. "It is truly an honor to have been named the winner of NIQ’s 2026 Founders Pitch Slam competition. As we continue to scale, access to NIQ’s consumer intelligence and market expertise will help us better understand our consumers and make smarter decisions for the future," she remarked.

For those interested in participating in future competitions, details about eligibility and the application process for the 2027 NIQ Founders Pitch Slam can be found at niq.com/pitchslam.

NIQ stands as a leading global consumer intelligence company, offering comprehensive insights into consumer buying behavior to reveal new pathways for growth. With a presence in over 90 countries, NIQ covers approximately 82% of the world’s population and more than $7.4 trillion in global consumer expenditure. The company’s advanced analytics and AI-driven insights help brands and retailers navigate the complexities of consumer behavior, providing them with the tools to make informed decisions moving forward.

As the consumer landscape continues to evolve, NIQ remains at the forefront, equipping emerging brands like Cotto with the necessary resources to thrive in a competitive marketplace.