Specialty Food Magazine is the leading publication for retailers, manufacturers and foodservice professionals in the specialty food trade. It provides news, trends and business-building insights that help readers keep their businesses competitive.
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1521971
SFA Hosts Ambassador Program Do you know a food artisan, importer, or entrepreneur who would benefit from joining Specialty Food Association's vibrant community? Share your membership experience by participating in our Ambassador Program. SFA's Ambassador Program is the ideal opportunity to let your peers know about the education and awards programs, resources, networking, and other benefits that membership provides. It's easy to get involved; just share how SFA membership has benefited you and invite friends to join SFA. When you refer three or more people whose companies join, you'll receive recognition as an official SFA Ambassador! Perks include acknowledgement on specialtyfood.com, assets to share on social media, and opportunities to earn swag and other benefits during Show-specific campaigns. Sofi Entries Included Sweet Heat, Global Flavors By Julie Gallagher Beets, ghee, upcycled chai, Calabrian chili peppers, and fefferoni peppers were among the standout ingredients in products entered into SFA's 2024 sofi Awards, according to the food buyers, influencers, members of the media, and Rutgers Food Innovation Center experts who evaluated these specialties in May. Spicy jams and jellies, pistachio cream, inclusions in chocolate, salted butter, black rice, and a clear coffee beverage were among the unique products they tasted, according to the judges. Certain categories also exceeded judges' expectations. "The sauce category is a lot more fun than I expected," says influencer judge Julia Smith of Delish. SFA works with the Food Innovation Center at Rutgers University to manage the judging which includes anonymous tastings using criteria such as flavor, appearance, texture, aroma, ingredient quality, and innovation. While products were judged across 48 specialty food categories, those receiving the most entries included Cheese-Cow Milk, Chocolate Candy, Condiments, Dressings, and Marinades, Sauces, and Seasonings & Spices. Participating is simple. • Send a friend to SFA's website and invite them to apply. • Ask your friend to list your name and company name in the "Who referred you" field. • After we receive the referred application, you will be sent a confirmation email. Plus, we're offering a special opportunity to become an Ambassador at the Summer Fancy Food Show. Bring one prospective member to the SFA Hub during the Show, and you'll receive instant Ambassador status and a gift from SFA when they successfully apply. Together, we can champion excellence in specialty food, provide access to valuable resources, and forge lasting connections in an ever-evolving market. Spread the word and help others to grow with us. In addition to food, judges evaluated product packaging for the sofi Outstanding Packaging Design Award which will be announced along with the other Grand Honors Award winners at the Show. Grand Award Categories also include: • Product of the Year—Food • Product of the Year—Beverage • Outstanding New Product • Outstanding Product—Classic The top 5 scoring products in eligible categories will be anonymously tasted at the Show to determine the winners of these awards, which will be announced at the SFA Awards Gala, taking place on Monday, June 24 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Lavan Midtown. The ticketed event will be hosted by Kristen Kish, host of Top Chef. 66 SPECIALTY FOOD SPECIALTYFOOD.COM ASSOCIATION NEWS Julie Gallagher is editor of Specialty Food.