The entrepreneurs pitching to Sainsbury's at the Food Exchange

The Food Exchange, Enterprise Nation's long-running event for foodies entrepreneurs, returns this afternoon. It's a little bit different as it's virtual for the first time but what hasn't changed is the amazing line-up of speakers and the chance for business owners to pitch a buyer from a top retailer.

This time it's Sainsbury's. We had many brilliant applications and these are the five lucky founders who will be pitching their products to Rebecca Miller, future brands origination and development manager at Sainsbury's.

Rachel Hugh, The Vurger Co

100% vegan fast food brand.

"As an environmentally conscious vegan fast food brand, we align perfectly with the growth of Sainsbury's vegan product assortment and have a great social media following to be able to support a product launch also. Our products are innovative and are also perfect for all of the family, ideal for the Sainsbury's customer."

Nimisha Raja, Nim's Fruit

100% natural air dried snacks, garnishes and edible teas using just one ingredient in each product.

"Having won the Queen's Award for Innovation this year and Sainsbury's championing small brands and innovative products, we're a perfect fit!"

Tugba Erem, Thomas Tipple

Premium, ready-to-enjoy cocktails in a can.

"Sainsbury's has been pushing hard to capitalise on pre-mixed and hard seltzers. As it's expanding its category portfolio, we think that we will add both variety and premiumisation. Moreover, we have plans to launch a non-alcoholic sister brand: Thomas Teetotal."

David Brown, Nocktail

Ready to drink, non-alcoholic cocktails in a can.

"Back in December 2019 when we co-created our brand live on Instagram stories with over 70,000 people we asked where people would prefer to purchase our drinks. The majority said retail/supermarkets.

"Our mission is to help re-shape the social and cultural conversation around drinking for young people. In order to do this, we need to make Nocktail as accessible as possible. Sainsbury's have been on the front foot with providing a pioneering offering in the No/Low category for the past couple of years now but it's time for something new and exciting - a brand that will bring in a new type of consumer into the category that goes against the brand norms that have been set previously within this space."

Marina Persoglio, Nipper&Co

Organic herbal teas for mothers' health and wellbeing.

"It is a unique product that a Sainsbury's mother & baby shopper will love for its premium quality, health benefits and environmentally friendly packaging. All at the right price as proven with other retailers."