Top Specialty Foods of 2016 Crowned by Specialty Food Association

New Tastes and Reconfigured Classics Dominate sofi Awards Picks

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May 25, 2016, 04:16 ET

NEW YORK, May 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Specialty Food Association announces the outstanding specialty foods of the year, winners of the prestigious 2016 sofi™ Awards.

The 2016 sofi Awards winners include flavors of North Africa, Southern Italy, and virtually every region of the U.S. Pumpkin seeds, honey, and bacon make several appearances on the list of winners and finalists. The latest vegan darling, aquafaba, or chickpea water, made the list, as did chicken fat and coconut sugar.

Specialty Food Association logo.

Since 1972, the sofi Awards have helped the Specialty Food Association advance culinary excellence and creativity worldwide by recognizing the outstanding work of its members. From mouthwatering sauces to delectable desserts to savory snacks, the 2016 honorees were chosen from a record 3,200 entries by a national panel of culinary experts in a blind tasting. Those that reach the level of sofi Winner and Finalist serve as ambassadors for the industry and represent the best of what specialty food has to offer.

In all, the 2016 sofi Awards Honorees include 28 Winners and 100 Finalists across 28 categories. For a list of Winners and Finalists, click here.

"This year's sofi Awards Winners and Finalists illustrate the vibrancy of the specialty food industry," says Laura Santella-Saccone, Chief Marketing Officer for the Specialty Food Association. "Each one reflects the passion and creativity Association members bring to the food they present to American, and international, food lovers."

A sofi is the top honor in the $120.5 billion specialty food industry. "sofi" stands for outstanding specialty food innovation.

For two weeks in May 2016 the judges tasted and evaluated each product and scored the entries on excellence of taste and ingredients. In all, 46 judges including chefs, culinary instructors, recipe developers, food journalists and specialty food buyers who are experts in particular categories such as cheese and oil, participated in the selection process. For the list of judges, click here.

The 2016 sofi Awards Honorees will be celebrated at the Summer Fancy Food Show at the Javits Center in New York, June 26-28, 2016. The show, owned and produced by the Specialty Food Association, is the largest marketplace for specialty food and beverages in North America.

The show will feature displays of all 2016 sofi Awards Winners and Finalists, and the Winners will be highlighted in special showcases at the event's opening night party at the Javits Center on June 26 from 5-7 p.m.

Registration for the Fancy Food Show is at fancyfoodshows.com. The show is a trade-only event. Journalists who cover the specialty food industry may apply for press credentials. Click here to apply.

About the Specialty Food Association

The Specialty Food Association is a thriving community of food artisans, importers and entrepreneurs. Established in 1952 in New York, the not-for-profit trade association provides its 3,200 members in the U.S. and abroad the tools, knowledge and connections to champion and nurture their companies in an always-evolving marketplace. The Association owns and produces the Winter and Summer Fancy Food Shows, and presents the sofi™ Awards honoring excellence in specialty food. Learn more at specialtyfood.com

Sofi Awards hashtag: #sofiawards
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SOURCE Specialty Food Association