ASSOCIATION NEWS
S
pecialty Food Association is proud to present the winners of its
2024 sofi Awards. The sofi Awards represent the best of the best in
each of 48 specialty food and beverage categories.
Available exclusively to product-qualified SFA members, sofi Award
entries were judged at the Food Innovation Center at Rutgers University,
SFA's partner for the Awards. FIC experts as well as specialty food
buyers, influencers, and members of the media evaluated products across
48 specialty food and beverage categories in anonymous tastings using
criteria related to flavor, appearance, texture, aroma, ingredient quality,
and innovation.
Characteristics such as spicy-sweet flavor profiles, global
ingredients, and gluten-free formulas were shared among multiple Gold
Award-winning products, indicating key trends to watch across the food
industry. From a vegan, gluten-free tamarind-flavored recipe that won
the Barbecue Sauce category to the smoky paprika and fleur de sel potato
chips that bested all of the entries in the Chips, Pretzels, Rice Cakes, &
Salty Snacks category, bold flavors and unique combinations can be
found throughout the list of winners.
"Congratulations to all of the 2024 Gold Award winners for receiving
the top scores in extremely competitive categories," says Phil Robinson,
senior vice president, member development at SFA. "The level of
innovation, creativity, and quality among the pool of entries we received
this year was remarkable and underscores the dynamism of specialty
food and beverage makers across the industry and the world."
Additionally, the five top-scoring products from eligible categories
will enter an anonymous-tasting round for the chance to win one of
the sofi Grand Honors Awards. They include Product of the Year/Food,
Product of the Year/Beverage, Outstanding New Product, Outstanding
Classic, and Outstanding Packaging.
SFA will celebrate the 48 Gold Award winners and reveal the five
Grand Honors Award winners at the SFA Awards Gala, taking place
7 - 10 p.m. on Monday, June 24, and hosted by Kristen Kish of Bravo's
Top Chef. The Gala is a ticketed event open to all Summer Fancy Food
Show participants.
62 SPECIALTY FOOD SPECIALTYFOOD.COM
2024 Winners
