Seattle, WA (May 05, 2021) – Chocolate lovers, foodies, and specialty retailers take note and stock up before this product runs out. The Classic Dark Signature Chocolate Bar by Forte Chocolates has won the GOLD award in the Dark Chocolate category as part of the Specialty Food Association’s (SFA) 2021 sofi™ Awards, a top honor in the $158 billion specialty food industry.
The Classic Dark Signature Chocolate Bar was one of 130 winners selected from nearly 1,500 entries across 49 product categories. Products are judged in an anonymous sampling for taste - including flavor, appearance, texture, and aroma - ingredient quality, and innovation. The sofi judging was held at the prestigious Rutgers Food Innovation Center in April following strict safety guidelines.
“We are thrilled that the Classic Dark Signature Chocolate Bar has won a gold award. This was the first bar I created at the very beginning of this journey (2006). It is great to reaffirm that our chocolates truly stand the test of time,” says Karen Neugebauer, owner and Master Chocolatier of Forte Chocolates. “To be recognized by the industry for our commitment to quality and flavor year after year around the globe is a huge honor. The sofi Awards are ultimate stamps of approval and we’re proud to claim the gold this year.”
The rich dark chocolate of the Classic Dark Signature Chocolate Bar is specially blended to create a symphony of complex flavor nuances, complete with a smooth fresh aroma, a sweet and fruity middle, and a rounded finish that will linger on the palate. The Classic Dark Signature Chocolate Bar can be purchased online at WWW.FORTECHOCOLATES.COM.
The sofi Awards competition is open annually to members of the Specialty Food Association. The Awards have been given each year since 1972. They recognize extraordinary specialty food and beverage products and the people who create them.
About FORTE CHOCOLATES
Woman owned and operated, Forte Chocolates was founded in September 2006 by Master Chocolatier Karen Neugebauer and is one of the highest awarded artisan chocolatiers in the world. Located in Mount Vernon, Washington, the company’s philosophy is to celebrate life with chocolate! Using remarkable quality ingredients and traditional hand craftsmanship, the company’s inspiration and focus is to create beautiful and stunning chocolates with a symphony of flavor in every bite.
Forte products include artisan truffles, honey caramels, chocolate bars, and barks. They also make Gusto Chocolates (a line of savory chocolate bars) and Volta Chocolate (craft chocolate) as well. Future plans include expanding their wholesale division across the US. Retailers and distributors are encouraged to contact [email protected] for more information. General information and product offerings can be found at www.fortechocolates.com.
About the Specialty Food Association
The Specialty Food Association (SFA), is the leading trade association and source of information about the $158.4 billion specialty food industry. Founded in 1952 in New York City, the SFA represents makers, importers, retailers, distributors, and others in the trade. The SFA is known for its Fancy Food Shows; the sofi™ Awards, which honor excellence in specialty food and beverage; Trendspotter Panel Show reports and annual predictions; the State of the Specialty Food Industry Report; the Product Marketplace database, featuring specialty foods and beverages in 161 categories and sub-categories; Infinite Aisle, a new ecommerce marketplace that enables SFA Members to make buyer-maker connections and sales year-round; and Specialty Food LIVE!™, a digital marketplace experience.