sofi Entries Included Sweet Heat, Global Flavors

Beets, ghee, upcycled chai, Calabrian chili, and Fefferoni peppers were among the standout ingredients in products entered into SFA’s 2024 sofi Awards, according to the food buyers, influencers, members of the media, and Rutgers Food Innovation Center experts who evaluated these specialties in May. 

Spicy jams and jellies, pistachio cream, inclusions in chocolate, salted butter, black rice, and a clear coffee beverage, were among the unique products they tasted, according to the judges. Certain categories also exceeded judges’ expectations.

“The sauce category is a lot more fun than I expected,” said influencer judge Julia Smith of Delish. 

SFA works with the Food Innovation Center at Rutgers University to manage the judging which includes anonymous tastings using criteria such as flavor, appearance, texture, aroma, ingredient quality, and innovation.

While products were judged across 48 specialty food categories, those receiving the most entries included Cheese-Cow Milk, Chocolate Candy, Condiments, Dressings, and Marinades, Sauces, and Seasonings & Spices. 

In addition to food, judges evaluated product packaging for the sofi Outstanding Packaging Design Award which will be announced along with the other Grand Award winners at the Show. 

Grand Honor Categories also include Product of the Year – Food, Product of the Year – Beverage, Outstanding New Product, Outstanding Product – Classic. The top 5 scoring products in eligible categories will be anonymously tasted by buyers at the Show to determine the Grand Honor winners, which will be named at the SFA Awards Gala, taking place on Monday, June 24 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Lavan Midtown. The ticketed event will be hosted by Kristen Kish, host of Top Chef.