Gene "Geno" Biggi of Beaverton Foods, James Beard Award winner, and Specialty Foods Association Hall of Fame inductee, has died. He was 94.
Beaverton Foods, started by Biggi’s mother, Rose, produces specialty horseradish and mustard condiments. Geno continued her legacy through innovation and creativity. He grew the company from a farmhouse basement to a manufacturing facility with over 100 employees.
He expanded distribution to all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries. Among his notable product creations, he invented the first shelf-stable horseradish, first wet Chinese Mustard, and the first Honey Mustard. The brand's products are in 97 percent of grocery stores across the country.
“Mr. Biggi was one of a kind!” said Shawn McBride, VP at Foah International and former SFA board chair. "He was smart, curious, witty, creative, honest, traditional, and always focused on quality and flavors. He was an icon in the industry and a true gentleman.”
Under his leadership, Beaverton Foods was awarded more gold medals at the National Mustard Championships than any other company in the field.
Geno loved to golf and ski with his friends and enjoyed spending time with his family. He is survived by his five children and seven grandchildren.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a .m., on Jan.12, 2023, at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church in Beaverton, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, contributions should be made in Geno's name to Beaverton High School for its football program.