Hancock Gourmet Lobster – Maine Shore Dinner for 2 was the highest scoring sofi Award entry across 49 general categories ranging from Cocktail Mixes & Mocktails to Yogurt & Kefir, said Laura Lozada, vice president of membership for the SFA, during a virtual award ceremony, Tuesday, part of Specialty Food Live!
“Hancock Gourmet Lobster Company started over 20 years ago with the goal to make Maine lobster effortless and accessible and today we continue to deliver the irreplaceable Maine experience to homes and businesses nationwide,” said Amber-Jean Nickel, CEO of Hancock Gourmet Lobster, when accepting the award. “None of this could be possible without our spectacular team. This award is a true testament to their dedication and talent. So from all of us, we’re very humbled to be recognized and many thanks from Maine.”
For the first time, the SFA also named a New Product of the Year Award winner. Regal Double Manuka Wood Roasted Salmon from Regal New Zealand King Salmon was the highest-scoring New Product entrant across categories. Only products introduced to the American marketplace between March and October of 2020 were eligible for this and other sofi New Product awards.
“This is so exciting, especially in such a challenging year as 2020 was for all of us,” said Constance Wolfe, director of retail for Regal New Zealand King Salmon. “I’ve been coming to the Fancy Food Show for years and had always hoped my team could win a sofi Award. So we couldn’t be more proud to represent Regal King Salmon and it's so thrilling to be part of this history.”
Nearly 1,500 products were entered into the sofi Awards, which are open only to product-qualified members of the SFA, and were judged by the SFA's partner for the awards, the Food Innovation Center at Rutgers University. Through anonymous tastings, FIC experts evaluated products. Judges awarded 130 specialty food products with gold, silver, and new product trophies after assessing entries for their flavor, appearance, texture, aroma, ingredient quality, and innovation. A complete list of winners can be found here.
Related: SFA Announces 2021 sofi Award Winners; 5 Trends From the 2021 sofi Awards.