• Interested in getting feedback on your product label for creativity and compliance?
• Curious if your packaging is effective in attracting consumer attention?
• Wanting to talk to a labeling and/or packaging expert on how to improve your product?

This competition provides an opportunity for producers, processors, and retailers to demonstrate their creativity, obtain feedback, and compete for prizes and recognition!

Competition Overview

You can enter the following types of products:

1. Non-food products-tallow products (lotions, creams, balms, soaps, candles), other fat products
2. Animal/pet foods (raw, cooked (fresh, frozen)): treats, food/feed blends
3. Cured, smoked or cooked foods (hams, jerkies, sausage), protein blends (powders, crisps, bars)

Competition rules:

1. Bring your product packaged for sale! You may enter single units or larger quantities, but make sure all entries are labeled for retail or wholesale transactions.
2. Judging revolves around the visual aspects of your packaged product; we will not be tasting/sampling products.
3. Display your product! Have your marketing materials, if developed, and any other equipment you need to show off your product (stand, rack, etc.).
4. Fill out this registration form, and present your product for check-in on June 12, from 8am-2pm.
5. There is no fee to enter, but you must be registered for the Mountain Meat Summit in order to participate.

Judging criteria:

• Federal labeling requirements (inspection, product name, grading, nutrition, ingredients, any other statements (certifications, process verification), safe handling
• Label appearance (aesthetics, brand identity and differentiation)
• Packaging (product visibility, imagery)

Judges will rate New Product Expo entries based on their product labeling and packaging characteristics and will offer feedback on effective messaging and materials, as well as suggestions for improvements.

Timeline:

• Registration is open now! Submit your application for one or more products, here:
• Deadline for submitting applications is June 8, 2026 at 5 pm.
• Products must be delivered to the conference registration desk at the CSU Animal Sciences building, 350 West Pitkin Street Fort Collins, CO 80521 by 12pm on Friday June 12, 2026.
• Product displays can remain throughout the conference and must be removed by 5:30pm on Saturday June 13, 2026.

Cash prizes for winners in several categories:

• People’s Choice (based on votes cast by Mountain Meat Summit attendees)
• Best Packaging (your packaging stands out as being unique in messaging and showcases your product effectively)
• Most Innovative Product (your product has novel characteristics that make it stand out in the marketplace)
• Best New Value-Added (your product brings something interesting to the market in terms of transforming raw product into a new consumer good)

Register here: https://forms.gle/3N4PXUzqmdo77Lny5

Need more information? Reach out to Martha Sullins at martha.sullins@colostate.edu or 970-491-3330.