(Vanessa Vasquez - Editor-In-Chief - Natural Living Review) - Last year’s first prize winner was Maazah with its "magic green sauce," gourmet chutney. 

Will the sauce win again this year and grab the free booth at Expo West 2025 and more than $30,000 in New Hope Network services?

Cien Chiles, a chile sauce manufacturer based in San Diego, CA, is one of the 15 semi-finalists to compete at the Natural Products Expo West Pitch Slam on Tuesday, March 12, 5 pm at the Marriott in Grand Ballroom F.

Other finalists are Fair & Square, Kekoa Foods, Farmer Foodie ™, Lentiful, THEO's Plant-Based, CHUZA, RINGA™ holistic hydration, Latin Goodness Foods/MasPanadas, Dr.NOAH Brune Kitchen, Alice's Sweet Tooth LLC, The Cracker King, Philosopher Foods, and Painterland Sisters.

Just like Maazah recognizing their Middle Eastern heritage, Cien Chiles founder Chef Maria Covarrubias also draws inspiration from her Mexican Heritage.

Chef Maria and the rest of the entrepreneurs will have 3 minutes each to show off and convince the judges without interruptions.

After all the pitches, the judges will choose five (5) finalists to advance to the next round. The next round is more dynamic and fast-paced allowing judges to throw questions and requiring the finalists to answer as skillfully and strategically as possible.

The audience will also have the chance to vote on their favorites. However, the judges will decide who wins.

Be at the Expo West Pitch Slam  and find out if the sauce will win again.

Experience the fun, mental adrenaline, and the opportunity to network with emerging and innovative brands in the organic and natural industry.