How much does it cost to enter?
All Early Bird entries from June 16, 2025 – July 1, 2025 for the 2026 sofi Awards are $80 per SKU.
From July 2, 2025 – August 25, 2025, all entries for the 2026 sofi Awards are $115 per SKU.
Fees are NON-REFUNDABLE.
Bonus Opportunity:
With each entry, you can opt to be considered for the Outstanding Packaging Grand Honors Award at no additional cost. This is a great opportunity to be recognized for your product design and packaging - completely free to enter!
When can I enter the sofi™ Awards?
The entry period is June 16, 2025 - August 25, 2025.
Who is eligible to enter?
The sofi Awards are open to Specialty Food Association Tier 2, product-qualified member companies that have no outstanding dues payments at the time of entry. All products must have been introduced for sale in the 50 United States, DC, or Puerto Rico before June 16, 2025. Products still in the research and development phase or otherwise not on the market by the date above are not eligible. Any product that won a Gold Award in any category at the 2024 sofi Awards is not eligible.
Pet food, foods containing CBD or THC, non-food items, and nutritional/health supplements (i.e., any product taken orally that contains one or more ingredients, such as vitamins or amino acids, that are intended to supplement one’s diet and are not considered food) are not eligible.
When and where do I send the product samples?
Ship samples to arrive July 28 – September 5, 2025. If your product is perishable: Clearly mark the exterior of the box: "PERISHABLE.". Send your products so they arrive between Tuesday-Thursday. The Rutgers Food Innovation Center is closed on weekends and will not be open to receive shipments or drop-offs on Saturdays or Sundays. Due to high temperatures, do not ship USPS. We recommend FedEx, UPS, and DHL using “Next Day” shipping with dry ice for perishables. Please send products with an expiration date no earlier than October 10, 2025.
Ship to:
Rutgers Food Innovation Center – South
ATTN: 2026 sofi Awards
450 East Broad Street
Bridgeton, NJ 08302-2849
Do I have to exhibit at Winter FancyFaire* to enter?
We strongly encourage sofi Award entrants to exhibit or attend Winter FancyFaire*, where we will celebrate the 2026 winners. Having a presence at the show helps buyers who follow the sofi Awards find the winning products and connect with brands on the show floor and at the awards ceremony. Additionally, all brands that win a Gold Award will be in the running for the Grand Honors Awards, which will be announced live at Winter FancyFaire*.
To learn more about exhibiting at Winter FancyFaire*, please reach out to your SFA Sales Rep, if you're already a member, or to membership@specialtyfood.com if you are not.
How will Grand Honors Awards be given this year?
- The Gold winner with the highest score across all food categories will receive the Product of the Year—Food Award.
- The Gold winner with the highest score across all beverage categories will receive the Product of the Year—Beverage Award.
- The top scoring Gold product across all entries that were introduced in the past year (June 16, 2024 – June 16, 2025) will receive the Outstanding New Product Award.
- The top scoring product across all entries that was introduced at least ten years ago will receive the Timeless Taste Award.
- Any sofi entry may opt to be considered for the Outstanding Packaging Design Award. The entering company must supply 1 additional packaged, jarred, boxed product that will be used only for this category. The top scoring product across all entries will receive the Outstanding Packaging Design Award.
Grand Honors Award winners will be announced live during Winter FancyFaire* 2026.
How many entries may I submit?
There is no limit to the number of products/SKUs you can submit; each can only compete in one category. You may enter multiple products/SKUs in the same category. Please note that a product that is entered in different packaging sizes or forms does not qualify the product to be entered in multiple categories.
My product is not quite ready for sale. May I submit it?
No. All entries must be ready for sale. Mock-ups are not accepted.
May I enter multiple products for the same category?
Yes, as long as they are different products/flavors.
If I have a foodservice product, which category should I enter it in?
Enter your product in the category it fits best. Due to blind judging, packaging and pricing will not be taken into consideration. Foodservice entries should NOT be sent without their original packaging and all nutritional information must be included.
Do I need to send product samples?
Yes, enough for 25 small tasting samples. 3-4 packages/jars/boxes are usually enough. If you would like to be considered for the Outstanding Packaging Award, please send one package, jar, or box that will be judged only in that category. A new set of samples must be sent for each category in which the product is entered. Please do not send excess product. Due to safety concerns, the shipping box MUST be labeled as PERISHABLE, keep FROZEN or keep REFRIGERATED on the package. Products must have an expiration date of no earlier than October 10, 2025.
Where are the entry forms?
Enter online at sofiawards.com(Opens in a new window). Please note: the 2026 submission period begins June 16, 2025. You will not be able to enter before that date.
If my product needs to be prepared or cooked (e.g. cake mix), should I send prepared product?
No. Rutgers Food Innovation Center will prepare products according to package instructions.
May I send frozen or refrigerated products?
Yes. Make sure to clearly mark the exterior of the box “PERISHABLE. Keep FROZEN or REFRIGERATED.”
May I send payment separately?
No, you must pay online, by credit card, when you submit your entry.
Do judges taste the products?
Yes, judges taste all the products. Feedback will be provided to all product entries.
When will winners be announced?
75 Gold Award and 3 Packaging finalists will be announced October 15, 2025.
25 Gold Award and Grand Honors Award winners will be announced live during Winter FancyFaire* 2026.
If I have questions, who can I contact?
Please reach out to sofiawards@specialtyfood.com.