2024 proved to be quite the year for the North Carolina brand
CRAMERTON, North Carolina - Late December, 2024 marked the announcement of the seventh annual Steamie Awards in which Slawsa Spicy took top honors as Outstanding Condiment of the Year, in the highly competitive category. Bill Oakley, former head writer of The Simpson’s and current professional food enthusiast, is the founder of the Steamed Hams Society & Food Discovery Club.
The ten honored categories encompass the best and worst in food, from fast food to grocery items. “Obviously, it came as quite a surprise to us, but Bill has a reputation of really saying what he thinks about a particular item. I think that makes it all the more special for us and we couldn’t be more honored,” said Julie Busha, founder of Slawsa.
The woman-owned, North Carolina business had an unexpected last few months of the year in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s impact on the state. Within the Federal Disaster Declaration Zone, there was no significant damage to the office and facilities, beyond downed trees on property and loss of electricity.
“Unfortunately, our neighbors to the north and west were not so lucky, so we’re continuing to do what we can, especially for the countless families who are still displaced,” says Busha. From writing over a dozen articles to bring light and fundraising to the region, to working with social workers at six schools across four counties, Busha was able to gather a group to support 50 displaced families for Christmas.
“These families lost their homes and will face significant challenges for years ahead so really going above and beyond to make their holidays bright was necessary.” Busha’s group provided gifts for all children, family gifts, grocery store gift cards and take-out Christmas Eve dinners, contracting with local restaurants and caterers to further support local small business.
Busha continues, “It’s humbling when the parents are asking for a microwave, electric skillet or new bath towels, but that’s the reality for so many who are living in campers. Many parents cried when they found out they were getting fully-prepared hot meats and we are so thankful that restaurants we worked with in these remote areas were open to coming in on Christmas Eve to do just that. This is not the end of our support for the human crisis we have on our hands.” January temperatures have been lower than average with low temperatures consistently in the teens, and negative windchills.
Slawsa is excited to return to Las Vegas to the Winter Fancy Food Show and will be sampling in booth 3331, ahead of launching their newest flavor, Blackberry Slawsa.
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For Press Inquiries: Julie Busha, [email protected], 704-756-3661