On April 2, 2019 in Orlando, FL, SNAC International's SNAXPO will feature the inaugural "SNAC Tank," a pitch competition for innovative start-up snack brands.  

Five finalists will pitch their products and business models to a panel of expert industry judges for the chance to take home a $20,000 grand prize, as well as valuable connection opportunities to industry mentors to help the winning business scale-up. Five semifinalists will also be selected, and all ten companies will showcase their products in the SNAC Tank Showcase during exhibit hall hours on April 2. 

To be eligible to participate, start-ups must have a unique product currently available for purchase, and financial backing is preferred. Applicants may apply online and must submit a two minute smart-phone quality video pitch. The application deadline is February 8, and SNAC will notify the finalists and semifinalists on February 28, 2019. 

Barbara Corcoran, investor, entrepreneur, and judge on the hit show "Shark Tank" will emcee the competition. Corcoran has invested in over 15 food related companies throughout her time as a 'Shark', including a few new snack brands. After the competition, attendees will hear from Barbara about the self-made real estate titan's rags-to-riches story and her strategies for success. 

SNAXPO19 will feature more education than ever before, including a keynote session with award-winning chef and New York Times Best Selling author Jeff Henderson. Chef Jeff will speak about his journey from humble beginnings as an imprisoned drug dealer to an award-winning celebrity chef, unveiling lessons for success in today's food industry. Jeff made history in 2001 when he became the first African-American to be named "Chef de Cuisine" at Caesars Palace. Additionally, SNAXPO attendees will learn what is driving an expanding snack industry with four educational tracks, including: Packaging and Sustainability, Regulatory Affairs, Market Trends and Insights, and Latin American Snacks. 

Learn more about SNAC Tank here, and learn more about SNAXPO19 here.