The N.C. Specialty Foods Association announced finalists for its 2013 Product Awards at its spring conference in April.
Last month, the N.C. Specialty Foods Association held its spring conference in Raleigh. The event included workshops, guest speakers and networking opportunities for food businesses from across the state. In addition, the association held its 2013 Product Awards, a competition for specialty products. The association announced finalists in three categories: condiments, snacks and packaging.
Kissie Stroup, owner of Little Black Dressing, receives a blue ribbon from N.C. Specialty Foods Association President Betsy Owens.
Little Black Dressing Co. was the winner and runner-up in the condiments category. The company’s Honey – It’s Dijon Dill dressing took first place, while its Far East Flair came in second. The company, based in High Point, started in 2010 and now offers four varieties of salad dressings. Its products are available at more than a dozen retail locations in the Triad.
In the snacks category, Goodness Gracie Gourmet Foods of Wilmington earned top honors for its Sesame Almond Cocktail Mix. Owner Sallie Price has been operating Goodness Gracie in some form or another since she started selling a toffee cookie based on a family recipe in 1995. The company now sells cookies and snacks in more than 42 states. Mackey’s Ferry Peanuts of Jamesville was runner-up in the snacks category with its Trail Mix.
Sweet Neecy Spice Cake of Chapel Hill was named the winner in the packaging category. Pittsboro-based Norm’s Farms, maker of Elderberry Jam and Elderberry Jelly, was runner-up.
Betsy Owens presents a blue ribbon to Sallie Price of Goodness Gracie Gourmet Foods.
The three category winners earned a prize ribbon and bragging rights. They also will have the chance to compete against three additional category winners to be named at the association’s fall conference. Of the six winners, one will be named grand champion by the association.
To learn more about these companies and the N.C. Specialty Foods Association, go to www.ncspecialtyfoods.org.