CPG Innovation Summit: The Deal Room at Expo West - Capital, Content & Connections for Investors & Brands

Powered by Nutrition Capital Network (NCN), the leading community connecting investors with high-potential companies in health, wellness and CPG, this exclusive opportunity offers unmatched visibility and strategic connections for growth-focused brands and CPG investors seeking the next big thing.

Selected companies will have the chance to network with and present directly to a room of investors, gaining exposure to key decision-makers in the industry. Additionally, leading CPG and investment experts will share insights with attendees on scaling your business, emerging categories, and capital opportunities shaping the future of natural products.

By combining NCN’s proven investor-brand platform with the dynamic energy of Expo West, the Deal Room delivers a unique environment for fostering innovation, securing funding, and driving growth in the natural products sector.

Agenda

9:30-9:40am Welcome

• Mike Dovbish, Nutrition Capital Network
• Jennifer Pfeifer, Nutrition Capital Network

9:40-9:55am The Investor Climate in 2026 & Beyond 

• Edgar Vargas, Vilore Foods Company
• Hector Saldivar, Tia Lupita

9:55-10:10am Structuring Capital for Smarter Growth in Natural CPG
Scaling a natural CPG brand requires more than a great product—it demands the right capital strategy at every stage of growth. 
  
In this fireside chat, Banc of California joins CPG founders and investors, to discuss structuring capital strategically—from early development and launch to rapid retail expansion and national scale. As velocity increases and inventory demands strain cash flow, brands need more than funding—they need a trusted working capital partner. 
  
The conversation will focus on aligning capital with stage-specific priorities, financing working capital across the full company lifecycle, and building the operational strength that supports sustainable growth. Attendees will gain real-world insights on funding strategy, avoiding common scaling pitfalls, and choosing a banking partner who understands the nuances of CPG. 
  
Designed for founders and investors navigating the next phase of expansion, this discussion offers a clear framework for scaling strategically, protecting equity, and building long-term enterprise value with confidence. 

• Carlos Ramos, Middle Market Banking Group Leader  
• Justin Nedelman, Pressed Juicery
• John Coletta, Clover-Sonoma
• Brandon Neumann, CAVU Consumer Partners 

10:10-11:35am  Company Presentations

• Aqua Theon
• Leaven Foods
• PWR^UP
• Frankly So
• Defi Snacks
• The Sustainable Care Company (Cleanery)
• Bushbalm
• Joyful Humans
• ESW Beauty
• 50/50 Foods 

11:35am-12:00pm  Scaling, Selling or Innovating: Tested Strategies for Capital Success in Today’s Market
Ever wonder what “smart money” really means? In today’s CPG industry, capital is more than a resource—it’s the key to driving innovation, growth and transformation. This session will dig into the dynamic strategies that industry leaders are using to scale their businesses, fuel acquisitions and redefine customer engagement. Featuring a panel of CPG leaders, we’ll explore how to structure deals that align with long-term goals, leverage funding for breakthrough innovation and expand into competitive markets. Through real-world case studies and actionable insights, you’ll learn how to build strong brand-investor relationships, deploy capital effectively and position your business for sustainable success.

• Jennifer Pfeifer, New Hope Network
• Morgan Zanotti, Waay | Primal Kitchen
• Kyle Garner, Better Being Co.
• Jennifer Palmer, JPalmer Collective

12:00-1:00pm Deal Room Presenter Sampling & Networking (Marquis Ballroom NW)