sofi awards - specialty food association...categories such as cheeses, oils, or chocolates. products...

2019 sofi™ Award Winners Unveiled

the Best of the Best in

specialty food

sof iawards .com

presented by9

#sofiAwards

2019sofi Awards

Gin-brined pickles, aromatic tonic, Brazilian pink pepper honey, and shiitake oolong tea are among the winners of the Specialty Food Association’s 2019 sofi Awards. The awards recognize 148 specialty food products across 39 categories with Gold, Silver, Bronze, and

Best New Product awards. Winners were chosen from nearly 2,000 entries in a blind tasting done over 12 days by a national panel of industry experts.

“Our 2019 winners are passionate industry leaders

creating exceptional, innovative specialty foods. They’re

what’s driving excitement among retailers, foodservice, and consumers, and fueling

our industry’s growth.” —Phil Kafarakis, president, Specialty Food Association

“For 47 years, the sofi Awards have identified the best of the best within the specialty food industry. This year, we’re incredibly proud to recognize so many fantastic products across so much of our membership,” said SFA President Phil Kafarakis. “Our 2019 winners are passionate industry leaders creating exceptional, innovative specialty foods. They’re what’s driving excitement among retailers, foodservice, and consumers, and fueling our industry’s growth. It’s a delicious time for us all!”

Past winners have reported up to a 600 percent increase in sales and been featured in major media outlets like Good Morning America and USA Today, according to Kafarakis.

Sixty food professionals from across the country served as judges for the 2019 entries. They range from trained chefs, culinary instructors, and recipe developers to food writers and specialty food buyers who are experts in particular categories such as cheeses, oils, or chocolates.

Products that vied for the Gold, Silver, or Bronze sofi award in any given category were judged 70 percent on taste, including f lavor, appearance, texture, and aroma, and 30 percent on ingredient quality, with consideration given to the use of ingredients in creative ways. Products that competed for a New Product sofi Award were judged on taste (60 percent), ingredient quality (20 percent), and innovation (20 percent). New Product Award entries had to have been introduced to the market between March 1, 2018 and September 1, 2018. The product with the single highest score will be named the sofi Product of the Year award winner here at the Summer Fancy Food Show.

Following is the complete list of winners.

SPECIALTIESSuperlative

S2 ❘ SPECIALTY FOOD MAGAZINE specialtyfood.com

sofiawards.com

New ProductBronzeSilverGold

Judges took part in a blind tasting of products that were prepared according to each

producer’s instructions.

THE SPECIALTY FOOD ASSOCIATION CONGRATULATES THE

2019 sofi™PRODUCT OF THE YEAR

SPECIALTY FOOD MAGAZINE specialtyfood.com I S3

2019 sofi Awards Winnerspresented by9

BAKING MIX

GOLDSUTTER BUTTES NATURAL AND ARTISAN FOOD Blood Orange Olive Oil Brownie Kit

SILVERPCS GOURMET FOODS, BLENDS BY ORLYGrainless Baking Co. Grainless Pancake & Waffle Mix

BRONZE SOUTH & SPOON PUDDING COMPANYSalted Brown Sugar Pudding Mix

NEW PRODUCT LILLYBEAN BY PASTRYBASEGluten-Free Gooey Blondie Mix

GOLDJUST DATE SYRUP Just Date Syrup

SILVERARTISAN KETTLE ORGANIC CHOCOLATEOrganic Peppermint Chips

BRONZE APPEL FOODSNut Crumbs

NEW PRODUCT ARTISAN KETTLE ORGANIC CHOCOLATEOrganic Peppermint Chips

GOLDDATE LADY Date Lady Fruitcake

SILVERMANICARETTI ITALIAN FOOD IMPORTERSFilippi Panettone Classico

BRONZE TASKIN BAKERYTurkish Pide Bread

NEW PRODUCT MANICARETTI ITALIAN FOOD IMPORTERSFilippi Panettone Classico

BAKING INGREDIENT

BAKED GOOD


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CHEESE - NON-COW MILK, MIXED MILK

GOLDVERMONT CREAMERY Coupole

SILVERNETTLE MEADOWAmber Kunik

BRONZE VERMONT CREAMERYBijou

NEW PRODUCT CYPRESS GROVEStraight Up

GOLDBELLWETHER FARMS Whole Milk Ricotta

SILVERROGUE CREAMERYOrganic Oregon Blue

BRONZE ROGUE CREAMERYOrganic Caveman Blue

NEW PRODUCT CABOT CREAMERY COOPERATIVECabot Centennial Cheddar

CHEESE - COW MILK

GOLDWILDLY DELICIOUS PRESERVE CO. LTD Korean BBQ Grilling Sauce

SILVERTOM DOUGLAS’ RUB WITH LOVEAncho & Molasses Barbecue Sauce

BRONZE LOUBIER GOURMETHot BBQ Sauce

BARBECUE SAUCE

SPECIALTY FOOD MAGAZINE specialtyfood.com I S5 SPECIALTY FOOD MAGAZINE specialtyfood.com I S5


GOLDITALIAN PRODUCTS USA, INC. Croccante Al Pistacchio Con Cioccolato Bianco- Kant

SILVERGOODNOW FARMS CHOCOLATESpecial Reserve, 77% Dark Chocolate With Putnam Rye Whiskey

BRONZE KATHERINE ANNE CONFECTIONSGoat Cheese Walnut Truffle

NEW PRODUCT GOODNOW FARMS CHOCOLATESpecial Reserve, 77% Dark Chocolate With Putnam Rye Whiskey

GOLDASKINOSIE CHOCOLATE Coconut Milk Chocolate Bar

SILVERFRUITION CHOCOLATE WORKSBrown Butter Milk 43%

BRONZE BELGIUM’S CHOCOLATE SOURCEWillie’s Cacao Milk of the Stars

CHOCOLATE CANDY

CHOCOLATE - MILK AND WHITE

GOLDGOODNOW FARMS CHOCOLATE Ucayali, 70%

SILVERGOODNOW FARMS CHOCOLATEAsochivite, 77%

BRONZE GOODNOW FARMS CHOCOLATECoto Brus, 73%

CHOCOLATE - DARK


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GOLDWOZZ! KITCHEN CREATIONS Vietnamese Green Tea & Mint

SILVERWOZZ! KITCHEN CREATIONSMoroccan Tomato Onion Relish

BRONZE MAX’S IMPORTSMama’s Mild Roasted Pepper Spread

NEW PRODUCT BOURBON BARREL FOODSSmall Batch Bourbon Ponzu

CONDIMENT

GOLDLETTIERI & CO. Tomarchio Organic Aranciata Rossa

SILVERLORI’S ORIGINAL LEMONADEWild Strawberry Lemonade

BRONZE FENTIMANSRose Lemonade

NEW PRODUCT DONATurmeric Honeybush Spice Soda

COLD BEVERAGE - READY TO DRINK

GOLDBITTERMILK No.2 Tom Collins With Elderflower & Hops

SILVERPACIFIC PICKLE WORKSBloody Mary Elixir

BRONZE ELEMENT SHRUBChai Pear Shrub

NEW PRODUCT FEVER-TREEFever-Tree Aromatic Tonic

COLD BEVERAGE - DRINK AND COCKTAIL MIX



GOLDSPICEMODE Vindaloo

SILVERBROOKLYN DELHITomato Achaar

BRONZE KITCHENS OF AFRICAYassa

NEW PRODUCT MEAL MANTRAGoan Curry Simmer Sauce

GOLDDOUGLAS SWEETS Italian Lemon Rosemary Shortbread

SILVERTHAT’S HOW WE ROLLThinsters Dark Chocolate Coconut

BRONZE MOON DANCE BAKINGMrs. Little’s Shortbread Sticks Original Butter

NEW PRODUCT DESSERTS ON US, INC.Laceys® Almond And Dark Chocolate With Meyer Lemon

GOLDKATHERINE ANNE CONFECTIONS Rosemary Sea Salt Caramel

SILVERLITTLE APPLE TREATSApple Cider Caramels With Toasted Almonds

BRONZE LITTLE APPLE TREATSApple Cider Caramels With Rose Petals + Cocoa Nibs

COOKING SAUCE, MARINADE

COOKIE

CONFECTION


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GOLDATALANTA CORPORATION Deca & Otto Dulce De Leche

SILVERBÉQUET CONFECTIONSCaramel Sauce

BRONZE BLACKBERRY PATCH3 Ingredient Satsuma Syrup

NEW PRODUCT WILD4Organic Vermont Maple Cream

GOLDVERMONT CREAMERY Cultured Butter With Sea Salt Crystals

SILVERCOWGIRL CREAMERYOrganic Crème Fraiche

BRONZE DAHLICIOUS ORGANICAlphonso Mango Lassi

NEW PRODUCT PYROTECHNIC FOODS LLCFireworks Finishing Butter Honey Lavender Sea Salt

GOLDEAST HAMPTON GOURMET FOODS Lentil Rice Crispbread Turmeric + Nigella Seed

SILVERNORWEGIAN BAKEDKnekkebrød Sea Salt Flakes

BRONZE EFFIE’S HOMEMADEPecan Nutcakes

NEW PRODUCT EAST HAMPTON GOURMET FOODSLentil Rice Crispbread Turmeric + Nigella Seed

DESSERT SAUCE OR TOPPING, SYRUP

DAIRY, YOGURT, DAIRY ALTERNATIVE

CRACKER



GOLDKATHERINE ANNE CONFECTIONS Mexican Drinking Chocolate Mix

SILVERGOODNOW FARMS CHOCOLATESingle Origin Hot Cocoa, Almendra Blanca

BRONZE HARBOR SWEETSCocoa Santé Kashmir Spice

HOT BEVERAGE

GOLDRIGONI DI ASIAGO Mielbio Italian Honey Acacia

SILVERSAVANNAH BEE COMPANYTupelo Honey Gold Reserve

BRONZE ITALIAN PRODUCTS USA, INC.Acacia Blossom Italian Raw Honey

NEW PRODUCT BEE SEASONALAroeira - Brazilian Pink Pepper Honey

HONEY

GOLDSWEETHEARTH BAKESHOP Roots And Seeds Granola

SILVERHUDSON HENRY BAKING CO.Hudson Henry Granola - Maple, Pecans & Coconut

BRONZE MICHELE’S GRANOLAMichele’s Lemon Pistachio Granola

NEW PRODUCT CACAO VITACoffee + Cacao Granola - Peanut Butter

GRANOLA, CEREAL


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GOLDBRINS Lemon Saffron Marmalade

SILVERTHE PRESERVATORYSpiced Cranberry & Iced Apple Wine

BRONZE BELLA CUCINA ARTFUL FOODKey Lime Spread

NEW PRODUCT BLAKE HILL PRESERVESFarm And Forage Wild Rose And Strawberry Jam

JAM, PRESERVE

GOLDTEA•RRIFIC! ICE CREAM, LLC Masala Chai

SILVERCLEMENTINE’S NAUGHTY AND NICE CREAMERYGooey Butter Cake Ice Cream

BRONZE CLEMENTINE’S NAUGHTY AND NICE CREAMERYSalted Crack Caramel Ice Cream

NEW PRODUCT JENI’S SPLENDID ICE CREAMSFrosé Sorbet

ICE CREAM, GELATO, FROZEN TREAT

GOLDYELLOWBIRD FOODS Organic Sriracha

SILVERSUGAR BOB’S FINEST KINDSmoked Maple Sriracha

BRONZE LUCKY FOODSSeoul Kimchi Sauce

NEW PRODUCT CLARK AND HOPKINSAssam

HOT SAUCE



OIL - NUT AND OTHER OIL

NUT BUTTER, SEED BUTTER

GOLDTHE ART OF PECAN Pure Pecan Oil

SILVERLA TOURANGELLEToasted Sesame Oil

BRONZE LA TOURANGELLERoasted Walnut Oil

GOLDMANNA ORGANICS Manna Butter - Dark Chocolate Pecan

SILVERWELLNUT FARMS, LLCMaple - Walnut Butter

BRONZE MANNA ORGANICSManna Butter - Coconut Cashew No Added Sugar

NEW PRODUCT NOOMIOrganic Peanut Butter

MEAT, POULTRY, CHARCUTERIE

GOLDTEMPESTA ARTISAN SALUMI Culatello

SILVERCIBO ITALIA LLCCibo Italia Prosciutto Di San Daniele

BRONZE TEMPESTA ARTISAN SALUMIWagyu Bresaola


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GOLDLOTUS FOODS Organic Dehraduni Basmati Rice

SILVERLOTUS FOODSOrganic Forbidden® Pad Thai Rice Noodles

BRONZE LA PASTA, INC.Chicken Sweet Corn And Poblano Ravioli

NEW PRODUCT GEECHIE BOY MILLJimmy Red Grits

PASTA, RICE, GRAIN

GOLDITALIAN PRODUCTS USA, INC. Sundried Red Pesto With Genovese Basil DOP In Extra Virgin Olive Oil

SILVERSAUCES ‘N LOVE, INC.Cauliflower Vegan Pesto

BRONZE SAUCES ‘N LOVE, INC.Creamy Mushroom Pizza Sauce

NEW PRODUCT FLATBREAD QUEENBolani Cilantro Pesto

PASTA SAUCE

GOLDHENRI MOR Private Reserve Henri Mor

SILVERLETTIERI & CO.Iliada Single Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil

BRONZE ENZO OLIVE OIL COMPANYENZO Organic Basil Crush Olive Oil

NEW PRODUCT LOI LADIExtra Virgin Olive Oil

OIL - OLIVE OIL



GOLDBITCHIN’ SAUCE Original

SILVERBITCHIN’ SAUCEBombay

BRONZE BITCHIN’ SAUCEChipotle

GOLDNONA LIM Thai Coconut Lime Bone Broth Heat & Sip Cup

SILVERDUFOUR PASTRY KITCHENS INC.Black Olive & Two Cheeses Cocktail Straws

BRONZE FABRIQUE DELICESPate + Crackers Snack Pack

NEW PRODUCT SPINATO’SPrimavera Broccoli Crust

GOLDPACIFIC PICKLE WORKS Fenn Shui

SILVERPROPER’S PICKLEPickled Vegetable Spears

BRONZE PROPER’S PICKLEPickled Cauliflower

NEW PRODUCT PACIFIC PICKLE WORKSPickles Under The Ginfluence

SALSA, DIP

PRE-MADE

PICKLED VEGETABLES / PRESERVED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES


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GOLDMOM’S MAGIC MASALA All-Purpose Indian Fusion Spice Blend

SILVERROCKIN’ RUBSBaja Border Blend

BRONZE WING-A-LINGS DRY RUBS + SEASONINGSFee-Fi-Fo Fish Rub

NEW PRODUCT OLIVELLE - THE ART OF FLAVORBlack Garlic Infused Sea Salt

GOLDACME SMOKED FISH CORP. Blue Hill Bay Smoked Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon

SILVERKL KELLER FOODWAYSAlkorta Cod Fillets In Olive Oil

BRONZE TSAR NICOULAIEstate Smoked Sturgeon

NEW PRODUCT ADAMAS CAVIAR USAItalian Caviar

GOLDNOOSH BRANDS Keto Coffee Almond Butter

SILVERCREATIVE SNACKS CO.Almond Clusters With Cashews, Pumpkin Seeds, & Sunflower Seeds

BRONZE GRANDYOATSTurmeric Ginger Cashews

NEW PRODUCT VEGAN ROB’SProbiotic Dragon Puffs

SEASONING, SPICE

SEAFOOD

SAVORY SNACK



GOLDBUILT BY BEES Sourwood Balsamic Vinegar

SILVERWOZZ! KITCHEN CREATIONSGrapefruit Juniper & Honey Vinegar

BRONZE STONEWALL KITCHEN - NAPA VALLEY NATURALSGrand Reserve Balsamic Vinegar 25 Star

NEW PRODUCT OLIVELLE - THE ART OF FLAVORVine-Ripened Raspberry Barrel Aged White Balsamic

VINEGAR

GOLDTHE REPUBLIC OF TEA Milk Oolong Full-Leaf Tea

SILVERBLUE LOTUS CHAI COMPANYTraditional Masala Chai

BRONZE VAHDAM TEASBlooming Rose Black Tea

NEW PRODUCT CHOICE ORGANIC TEASShiitake Oolong

TEA

GOLDKATHIES KITCHEN LLC SuperSeedz

SILVERHONEY MAMA’SOregon Peppermint Bar

BRONZE TRAINA FOODSFruitons: Natural California Sun Dried Cherries

NEW PRODUCT ZIBA FOODSSweet Apricot Kernels

SWEET SNACK


sofi awards - specialty food association...categories such as cheeses, oils, or chocolates. products...

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