The Specialty Food Association recently announced the winners of its prestigious sofi Gold Award. Established in 1972, the sofi Award — sofi standing for specialty outstanding food innovation — recognizes excellent products in the specialty food industry. A panel of seasoned tasters evaluates entries based on flavor, appearance, texture, aroma, and ingredient quality across 49 categories. Winners gain media attention, deals with distributors and food service companies, and placement on retail shelves. This year, the association simplified the awards, which are Oscar-like statues of chefs holding chafing dishes — opting to give out only gold awards in each category, forgoing the traditional bronze and silver awards. The competition attracts more than 2,000 entrees, and New England producers have always done well. This year, the gold accolade was given to the following five New England companies:
Dumpling Daughter from Weston won the gold for frozen Pork & Chive Dumplings made with Duroc Heritage breed pork and Chinese chive.
Nuovo Pasta Production in Stratford, Conn., took the accolade for Fragrant Lemon & Mascarpone Raviolo.
Bixby in Rockland, Maine, was recognized for its Organic Belize 70% Dark Chocolate Bar.
Vermont had two winners: Blake Hill Preserves from Windsor was honored for its Mango Pineapple Habanero Spicy Chili Jam, and Vermont Creamery from Websterville was honored for its Sea Salt Cultured Butter.
In late June, the producers will showcase their award-winning products at the Fancy Food Show in New York City, the association’s trade event. Here, the companies have opportunities to win more accolades, such as Product of the Year, Outstanding New Product, or Outstanding Packaging. For the list of all winners from around the country, go to specialtyfood.com/awards/sofi-awards/winners.
ANN TRIEGER KURLAND
Ann Trieger Kurland can be reached at [email protected].