The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) has revealed the winners of the third annual Penguin Pitch: Emerging Brand Contest, a program reportedly designed to spotlight up-and-coming brands reshaping the frozen and refrigerated aisles through innovation, flavor, and purpose.

Following a competitive review process, three brands earned top honors in the following categories:

• Best Promotional Strategy: Di Fara Pizza, for its integrated social and in-store approach
• Most Disruptive Product: Frönen, praised for dairy-free ingredients and on-trend flavors
• Most Creative Packaging: Skinny Butcher Crazy Dippers, noted for unique packaging and creative logo

The association’s top honor—Grand Prize and Emerging Brand of the Year—was awarded to Folkland Foods Potato Tots, recognized for its clean ingredients and bold branding.

The winners were selected from a group of seven finalists announced in March and evaluated by a panel of industry judges based on product samples and promotional materials. 

The finalists included:

• Di Fara – Vodka Sauce Pizza
• Folkland Foods – Potato Tots
• Frönen – Caramel Chocolate Crunch Bar
• Mad Mutz – The Stingerz
• Ripi Foods – Beef Short Rib Ravioli
• San Diablo Artisan Churros – Take & Bake Churros
• Skinny Butcher – Crazy Dippers

“The Penguin Pitch highlights brands that are driving meaningful innovation across the frozen and refrigerated aisles,” says Tricia Greyshock, NFRA president and CEO. “This year’s group stands out for its creativity, product differentiation, and ability to meet evolving consumer expectations.”

As part of its recognition as Grand Prize winner, Folkland Foods will receive a featured table in Café NFRA at the 2026 NFRA Convention, October 17-20, in National Harbor, MD. The placement reportedly provides direct exposure to leading retailers and industry decision-makers. 

Related: Di Fara Pizza introduces Grandma-style product