Where innovation meets French savoir-faire.
Meet visionary culinary brands as they push boundaries and create a tapestry of bold flavors and curated experiences.
Germinators
Pitch Night on June 29th in NYC
This unique event combines industry networking, captivating start-up pitches from F&B innovators on both sides of the Atlantic, and delectable tastings by renowned chefs. It’s the perfect opportunity for startups, investors, hoteliers, distributors, restaurateurs, and corporate players to shape the future of the Food, Beverage, and Hospitality ecosystem. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to discover a captivating blend of French savoir-faire and groundbreaking ideas that will shape the future of the industry!
For the sixth edition of this celebrated competition, we will bring together the best French & American startups for an ultimate pitch night and networking event on Monday, June 29th in New York.
From tech-enabled startups to more traditional food companies, our finalists represent a rich diversity of approaches and products — all united by their spirit of innovation and a French flair.
This is our largest, most anticipated startup event of 2026 and we expect to welcome more than 200 attendees, all industry experts, media representatives and VCs to a top NYC venue.
Finalists Will
Gain access to an international network of top-notch Food, Beverage, & Hospitality founders, investors, corporate innovation leaders, accelerators, and industry experts.
Get support, feedback, insight, and resources to help their starting and growing ventures
Benefit from a large-scale communication campaign reaching 1,000+ FACC members, 15,000+ contacts in the New York City region: before, during and after the event, and throughout our partners’ networks
Gain exposure to the French-American business community audience and unique occasion to raise awareness on your projects/initiatives. Pitch your company’s innovation for a chance to win a $10,000 cash prize + expert coaching package+ annual FACC-NY membership.
BIBO
Beverages that are indulgent, natural and caffeine-free while reconnecting everyday consumption with local agriculture and culinary culture
bibo-boissons.fr
Black Toque
Redesigning and producing forgotten French gastronomic classics, modernizing them through innovative recipes and processes
www.chic-souffle.com
Culinary Agency
Turning culinary excellence into digital influence through high-end video production and expert community management
www.culinary-agency.fr
Edonia
Unlocking the full potential of microalgae for the food industry by transforming them into delicious, nutritious and sustainable ingredients
www.edonia.com
Freres Lauzea
Fine chocolates, pralines, ganaches, fruit jellies, cocoa bars, and signature gourmet products inspired by the Caribbean pantry
www.frereslauzea.fr
La Raviole Française
Pairing ravioles with artisan sauces specifically designed to create a complete gourmet dish in minutes
laraviolefrancaise.fr
Nomaro
Chef-driven non-alcoholic aperitivi with the flavor profile, balance, and mouthfeel of traditional full-alcohol aperitivi
drinknomaro.com
Nougat Chabert & Guillot
Reinventing Montélimar-style nougat and creating indulgent moments through a commitment to sustainability
le-nougat.com
Protelicious
French gourmet protein brand turning protein into a daily pleasure
www.protelicious.com
Qualinoa
Designing and developing food products primarily based on quinoa that contain high nutritional value, no gluten, no additives
qualinoa.com
The French-American Chamber of Commerce (FACC) is a private, non-governmental, non-profit organization that is independently financed through member dues, business services, their events and other programs. 17 local chapters provide regional expertise and support to both local firms and French companies entering the U.S. market, contributing to a national federation which is a keystone organization for French and American professionals and companies.
At the New York Chapter, we provide our members access to a comprehensive range of experiences, networks and opportunities designed to empower successful business relationships between French & American professionals in a variety of industries including Food & Beverage, Luxury, Tech, Finance, Sustainability and more.
The Germinators Startup Competition is organized by the FACC-NY Food, Beverage, & Hospitality Committee, a group of 9 industry stakeholders with an interest in propelling French & American brands to greater success.
Click here to learn more about joining the FACC-NY community today.
