Cotto Wins NIQ’s 2026 Founders Pitch Slam, Securing More Than $750,000 Growth Support

San Antonio (June 10, 2026) — NIQ (NYSE: NIQ), a global leader in consumer intelligence, announced the winner of its fourth annual Founders Pitch Slam competition, held on the mainstage at NIQ’s C360 event. The five finalists—Craftmix, Cotto, ESW Beauty, Lumen, and Rotten—competed for a grand prize consisting of a total prize package valued at more than $750,000, including a $50,000 cash award and additional in‑kind components, with Cotto named the 2026 champion.

The competition comes at a time when emerging consumer brands are navigating a rapidly evolving retail landscape shaped by changing consumer expectations, digital commerce, and increasing competition for shelf space and attention. While great products remain essential, long-term success increasingly depends on understanding consumers and acting on market signals quickly. Through the Founders Pitch Slam, NIQ helps emerging brands accelerate growth with the insights, expertise, and industry connections needed to compete in today’s consumer marketplace.

Founded by Kendall Kransdorf, Cotto is a line of high-protein dips made with whipped cottage cheese that reimagine classic flavors for everyday snacking. By blending out the curds, Cotto delivers smooth, savory dips with naturally occurring protein and no gums, fillers, or added powders.

In winning the Pitch Slam’s grand prize, Cotto will gain exclusive access to NIQ’s team of data, analytics, and consumer intelligence experts to help accelerate its growth strategy through deeper understanding of consumers, markets, and emerging opportunities, in addition to the cash award.

“Cotto represents exactly the kind of brand the Founders Pitch Slam was built for, and we are proud to recognize their vision and entrepreneurship,” said Brandon Galindo, Managing Director, Emerging Brands, NIQ. “Cotto came in with a clear point of view on their consumer, a product that’s already earning loyalty, and the ambition to scale it. Today’s fastest-growing brands win by understanding consumers earlier, identifying opportunities faster, and making smarter decisions as they grow. We look forward to putting NIQ’s consumer intelligence and market expertise to work in support of Cotto’s next chapter.”

As one of the leading CPG pitch competitions of the year for founding entrepreneurs, the Founders Pitch Slam gives early-stage brand makers a rare platform to make their case in front of a live panel of industry judges at one of the most prominent retail and CPG events on the calendar. Now in its fourth year, the competition reflects NIQ’s broader commitment to supporting innovation across the consumer ecosystem—from emerging challengers to the world’s largest manufacturers and retailers. In addition to the grand prize, the runner-up recipients will also receive NIQ in-kind prizes.

“It is truly an honor to have been named the winner of NIQ’s 2026 Founders Pitch Slam competition,” said Kendall Kransdorf, founder of Cotto. “As we continue to scale, access to NIQ’s consumer intelligence and market expertise will help us better understand our consumers and make smarter decisions for the future. We’re excited for what’s ahead.”

For more information, eligibility details, and how to apply for the 2027 NIQ Founders Pitch Slam, please visit niq.com/pitchslam.