Naturally Seattle Seeks Naturally Rising Applications
Naturally Seattle announced its biggest event of the year, Naturally Rising. Formerly known as Pitch Slam, Naturally Rising has evolved into a premier competition that spotlights emerging, purpose-driven brands and celebrates conscious leaders in the natural products industry. Applications are now open (see details below). The event will be held in Seattle on June 4 from 6-8 p.m., (location TBD).“Naturally Rising is more than a competition—it’s a celebration of innovation, purpose, and the incredible entrepreneurial spirit driving the natural products industry forward,” said Debi Goldman, executive director of Naturally Seattle. “We are proud to provide a platform that empowers emerging brands, connects them with industry leaders, and helps them take the next step in their journey to success.”
Naturally Rising provides a platform for innovative, better-for-you brands to gain exposure, refine their pitches, and receive invaluable mentorship to prepare for retail success. Five finalists will be selected to compete in Naturally Seattle’s Naturally Rising competition and will receive one-on-one mentorship in preparation for their live pitch in front of prominent industry judges. The winner will be rewarded with the opportunity to pitch on the national stage at the national Naturally Rising pitch competition, which takes place at Newtopia Now— formerly Expo East, the natural product industry premier experiential immersion trade show —held in Denver, Colorado, on August 20-22, 2025.
The national champion of Naturally Rising’s pitch competition will receive exclusive prizes, including a booth at Expo West 2026, one of the industry’s most influential trade shows.
Applicants for Naturally Seattle’s Naturally Rising Competition are open to established, better-for-you CPG brands based in Washington, Oregon or Idaho. To be eligible, brands must:
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Have an annual revenue of at least $100,000 and no more than $2 million.
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Have a retail partner (physical or online retailer distribution).
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Be an active Naturally Seattle member.
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Be available to attend Newtopia Now in Denver on Aug. 20-22.
Applications close on April 11. Please contact debi@naturallyseattle.org if you are interested in supporting Naturally Seattle’s Naturally Rising Pitch Competition. Sponsorships, mentorships and judging positions are available.
For more information and to apply, visit www.naturallynetwork.org/naturally-rising
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Carbone Adds 5 Pasta Sauces to Its Line
Carbone Fine Food
Following a record-breaking 2024 with over 18 million jars sold, Carbone Fine Food has announced the addition of five pasta sauce flavors: Sweet Pepper & Onion, Mediterranean Marinara, Black Truffle Alfredo, Mac & Cheese Alfredo and Lemon Pepper Alfredo. The new releases are the latest creations by acclaimed chefs Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi as they continue to reinterpret classic Italian-American cuisine through a contemporary culinary lens. The new flavors expand the Carbone sauce portfolio to seventeen flavors.
“Carbone is young, modern-chef driven, and in the zeitgeist,” said CEO Eric Skae. “Our new flavor creations are bold, authentic and uniquely delicious. They reinforce our position as a category innovation driver and the fastest-growing sauce in the nation.”
Crafted with the same care and premium ingredients used in their renowned restaurants, these sauces bring inventive chef-quality dishes to life at home.
- Sweet Pepper & Onion combines the caramelized flavor of roasted peppers and sauteed onions with the sweetness of 100% Italian tomatoes and rosemary.
- Mediterranean Marinara introduces flavors of Southern Italy by bringing together a savory medley of black olives and capers with 100% Italian tomatoes, garlic and fresh herbs.
- Black Truffle Alfredo is a rich and creamy blend of Parmesan and Romano Cheeses with Black Truffles.
- Mac & Cheese Alfredo offers a rich blend of aged white cheddar cheese, cream, butter, and spices.
- Lemon Pepper Alfredo combines a creamy blend of Parmesan and Romano cheeses complemented with the perfect balance of cracked black pepper and fresh lemon.
“As always, we’re focused on making it easy for people to enjoy incredible meals at home,” said chef Mario Carbone. “These five new sauces make good on our promise to bring bold, exciting flavors to the table with the same quality and care that’s at the heart of everything we do.”
All five flavors are available nationwide at Whole Foods Market and will roll out at additional retailers in the coming months. Consumers can purchase all Carbone Fine Food products online nationally at both Amazon and https://carbonefinefood.com/.
For more information, visit https://carbonefinefood.com/ or follow on Instagram and TikTok at @carbonefinefood.
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Oscar Mayer Brings Back Iconic ‘Bologna Song’
In 1974, Oscar Mayer aired “The Bologna song” commercial for the first time, capturing the American zeitgeist and teaching people coast to coast how to spell B-O-L-O-G-N-A. Now, 50 years later, Oscar Mayer re-introduces the world to the iconic ad, the longest running jingle in advertising history, all while rewarding fans who sing along.
Complete with the same 1970s camera quality and original lyrics for fans to sing loud and proud, Oscar Mayer re-aired “The Bologna song” original commercial to millions nationwide during the big Thanksgiving football game last week. To delight those who grew up loving the jingle and those who may have seen it for the first time, Oscar Mayer is commemorating the song’s anniversary with the debut of “Sing To Pay”—giving fans nationwide who correctly sing its lyrics the opportunity to cash in on free groceries, including delicious Oscar Mayer Bologna.
“50 years ago, we introduced the world to ‘The Bologna song,’ as a way to spotlight our delicious deli meats and cement the brand’s legacy and mantra of uniting millions around a love of meat,” said Shelby Max, brand manager for Oscar Mayer. “We knew this anniversary was a moment that needed to be celebrated in a big way, both for those who remember and those that are new. By re-airing the original ad and becoming the first brand to accept singing as a form of payment, we want to remind fans everywhere that bologna has a first name – it’s O-S-C-A-R.”
Now through Sunday, Dec. 15, fans can submit an audio recording correctly singing “The Bologna song” lyrics to SingtoPay.com and could receive an Instacart credit to use on Oscar Mayer Bologna and any other groceries, while supplies last. Any and all singing abilities welcome!
The fun doesn’t stop there – fans in select cities nationwide can warm up their vocal cords because the iconic Wienermobile is bringing “Sing to Pay” to fans in real life. Lucky individuals who spot the 27-foot hot dog on wheels now through Sunday, Dec. 15 can sing “The Bologna song” lyrics to the vehicle’s Hotdoggers and if correct, receive free Oscar Mayer Bologna.
To learn more about the history of “The Bologna song” and all about “Sing to Pay,” visit SingtoPay.com and follow @OscarMayer on Instagram and TikTok.
We are driving transformation at The Kraft Heinz Company, inspired by our Purpose, Let’s Make Life Delicious. Consumers are at the center of everything we do. With 2023 net sales of approximately $27 billion, we are committed to growing our iconic and emerging food and beverage brands on a global scale. We leverage our scale and agility to unleash the full power of Kraft Heinz across a portfolio of eight consumer-driven product platforms. As global citizens, we’re dedicated to making a sustainable, ethical impact while helping feed the world in healthy, responsible ways. Learn more about our journey by visiting www.kraftheinzcompany.com or following us on LinkedIn.
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