hangov crowned winner of Pitch the Co-Packers 2026

Packaging Solutions

hangov Group’s biotech pre-drink supplement has been announced as the winner of Pitch the Co-Packers 2026, a fast paced, Dragons’ Den style competition connecting innovative start ups with leading UK contract manufacturers.

Formulated with science backed ingredients to support energy, hydration, gut balance, and liver health before and after alcohol consumption, hangov empowers users to enjoy life fully without compromising performance the next day.

The competition, held at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 in collaboration with the BCMPA, the Association of Contract Manufacturing, Packing, Fulfilment & Logistics, featured a hand picked group of pioneering early stage brands including Hydracaddie Golf Nutrition, Naija Flavia Foods, and Red-Scue High Carb Energy Jar, presenting their products, packaging challenges, and growth ambitions to a panel of leading UK co-packing and manufacturing specialists. Participants gain expert feedback, spark partnerships, and raise their profile in front of an audience packed with packaging professionals.

‘I was extremely nervous. Standing on stage in front of a room full of industry experts is daunting. But once I began, it flowed,’ said Renata Sá, founder and CEO, hangov Group Ltd. ‘I assumed the others were stronger candidates, so I had no chance. When they announced my name, I was genuinely surprised. It was an incredible moment.’

Renata added, ‘Pitch the Co-Packers reminded me that meaningful growth is never built alone. The right partner isn’t just a supplier – it is someone who shares the vision, believes deeply in the product, and is ready to build long term value together.’

The company’s victory reflects both the innovation behind its biotech formulation and the growing appetite in the UK wellness sector for preventative alcohol support solutions. The brand’s approach is multi-pathway, targeting alcohol absorption, acetaldehyde breakdown, inflammation, oxidative stress, and nutrient depletion, all within a clinically dosed, vegan friendly formulation.

‘Pitch the Co-Packers is a fantastic platform for early stage brands to showcase their ideas and connect directly with the UK’s leading co-packers,’ said Emma Verkaik, CEO of BCMPA. ‘hangov’s success demonstrates the strength of its vision, the quality of its product, and its readiness to scale.’

Since its launch in December 2025, hangov has already established a presence through direct to consumer channels and Amazon, and the brand plans to expand wholesale, retail, and international distribution. This win at Pitch the Co-Packers is expected to accelerate its growth by providing access to aligned manufacturing partners who can support quality, compliance, and scalability.