Created to empower innovative start-ups and up-and-coming entrepreneurs based in Ireland and Northern Ireland, Pitch is an annual competition from Arnotts that gives local businesses a boost.
Now returning for its fifth year, the initiative is offering the overall winner a prize package worth €70,000, consisting of a €10,000 business development fund from Arnotts, financial advice from BKK Financial, plus a media campaign fund courtesy of The Business Post, Newstalk, and PML Group.
Each of the five finalists will receive hands-on mentorship from industry leaders in brand development, retail strategy, and customer engagement, with earning a place at the 2025 Arnotts Christmas Market.
This year's finalists have come from across Dublin, Kilkenny, and Cork, with each bringing innovative ideas to their selected industry.
Meet The Finalists
CurlyCo
Founded in 2023 in Co. Kilkenny, CurlyCo is a haircare brand that celebrates curls in an accessible and affordable way.
A hair industry veteran and salon owner with over 30 years experience, founder Denise Walsh made sure that each product was infused with luxurious essential oils and rooted in Irish heritage.
The seven-product range is vegan, cruelty-free and silicone-free and infused with high-performance ingredients tailored to hydrate, define, and protect curly hair. Not only that, but all products are manufactured in Ireland and are certified Guaranteed Irish.
Speaking on the brand, founder Denise Walsh said: "I am passionate about educating all my customers on how to manage their curls and re-embrace their natural beauty. Education is at the core of this business with masterclasses and pop-up events in stores and a learning hub on the website designed to educate customers on their hair types, what product is most suited to their hair and how best to use them."
Gaia Filters
Gaia Filters was created by 24-year-old Cork woman April McGrath, in the hopes of tackling the hidden issue of harsh water in Ireland.
With an advanced five-layer filtration system and a sustainable refill model, Gaia Filters remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other impurities from showers - protecting skin and hair in the process.
Naming her mum as her biggest supporter, McGrath says that the business has been a huge passion project, having been born from an issue that affected her directly:
"Irish water is notoriously harsh - full of chlorine, heavy metals and minerals that can strip and damage skin and hair. Once I realised this, I dove into research and found undeniable links between water quality and skin and hair health. That discovery was my lightbulb moment. I knew I wanted to create a solution that would make a real difference in people's daily lives. That’s how Gaia Filters was born."
Snugabugz
Snugabugz is an Irish baby brand designing organic cotton socks and booties that actually manage to stay on little feet.
Founded by Dervla Arthurs - a mother of three from Ballyboughal in North County Dublin - the brand was inspired by the daily parenting frustration of lost baby socks. With innovative designs and GOTS-certified organic cotton, Snugabugz combines style and functionality while keeping sustainability and affordability in mind.
Featuring seamless toes and non-slip soles to support early walkers, these socks are perfect for parents.
Speaking on the brand, Dervla said: "One cold November day, after yet another missing sock episode while out walking with my baby in the carrier, I thought, there has to be a better way. That moment sparked a mission to design a baby sock and bootie that actually stays on those wiggly little feet!"
Your Skin Stuff
Your Skin Stuff is the first Irish skincare brand dedicated to pre-teens. Founded by award-winning beauty entrepreneur and aesthetician Ellen Kavanagh Jones alongside entrepreneur Conrad Jones, the brand was created to fill a gap in the market for safe, effective, and age-appropriate skincare for young people.
Developed with dermatologists and guided by pre-teen advisors, the formulas feature proven ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, Vitamin C, and zinc oxide – all carefully balanced for young, developing skin.
The Dublin woman said: "The idea for Your Skin Stuff came from being a step-mom of four and mom of one and seeing the gap in the market for preteens. We saw kids as young as seven becoming curious about skincare but only finding harsh adult products. That sparked our mission to create safe, fun, and effective skincare made just for pre-teens."
Hildun Beauty
Hildun Beauty was founded by Suzy Griffin Dunne, who saw a need for high-performance luxury makeup at an accessible price. While on maternity leave, she partnered with world-leading R&D teams to develop cutting-edge formulas that deliver instant impact for both makeup lovers and professional artists alike.
The Silk to Set Kajal Eyeliners were launched with no spokesperson or 'face' to the brand, but word soon spread about the 'viral kajals' and so far the Silk to Set Kajal eyeliner has won three national UK beauty awards, including the prestigious 'Bazaar Best of the Best' eyeliner award.
In late 2024, Suzy launched a complimentary 'Silk to Set Lip Pencil' boasting similar features to the eyeliners, along with a completely bespoke formulation of the 'Melting Moisture Balms' developed in Italy and South Korea, respectively.
Customers can explore these unique offerings at Arnotts Christmas Market and online at Arnotts.ie starting 13 November.
