State's Top Food Products Make the Final Round of University of Georgia's 2019 Flavor of Georgia Contest
Monday, February 18th, 2019
Judges selected 33 products to compete in the final round of the University of Georgia’s 2019 Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest set for March 19 in Atlanta.
The contest is the state’s premier proving ground for small, upstart food companies as well as time-honored products. This year’s finalists represent all corners of the state and the best of Georgia’s diverse culinary heritage.
The finalists passed the first round of judging and were selected from a field of 138 products in 11 categories.
Finalists will bring their products to Atlanta for the final round of judging, which will be held in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Agriculture's Agriculture Awareness Week celebration, set for March 18-22. Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black has designated March 19 as Flavor of Georgia Day.
“Once again, the level of innovation and talent represented in our contest has left us amazed and excited for things to come,” said Sharon P. Kane, contest coordinator and economist with the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences’ (CAES) Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development.
“Georgia is home to some of the most creative minds in the food business, and the Flavor of Georgia contest is our yearly reminder of how lucky we are to live in a state that values entrepreneurship and good food.”
A food business development specialist, Kane and her center colleagues have organized the annual contest since 2007.
Judges for the final round of the contest will include food brokers, grocery buyers and other food-industry experts. Judges evaluate entries by category based on their Georgia theme, commercial appeal, taste, innovation and market potential. Contestants will provide samples to judges and pitch their products in a “Shark Tank”-style presentation. Finalists will be named in each category, and a grand prize winner and People’s Choice Award winner will be named.
This year’s finalists are listed by company, product name and city. All entries are from Georgia-based businesses.
Barbecue Sauces:
Aubs Company LLC, AubSauce, Decatur
Byne Blueberry Farms Inc., Blueberry Barbecue Sauce, Waynesboro
Chinese Southern Belle, Wild Wild East Asian BBQ Teriyaki Pineapple, Smyrna
Beverages:
FreshKiss Tea, Hibiscus Kombucha, Palmetto
Montane Sparkling Spring Water, Grapefruit Peach, Atlanta
Nectar Foods Two Inc., Nectar Ready To Blend Smoothies, Decatur
Condiments & Salsas:
Abby J's Gourmet, Blackhawk Smokin' Hot Pickled Okra, Clarkesville
Built By Bees, Tupelo Balsamic Vinegar, Atlanta
Pine Street Market, Bacon Jam, Avondale Estates
Confections:
A Cacao Affair, Macarons, Marietta
FarmHouse PoundCakes LLC, Luscious Lemon, Cornelia
Pie Provisions, Georgia Blueberry Pie Filling, Kennesaw
Dairy Products:
Pine Street Market, Pimento Cheese, Avondale Estates
Smith Family Dairy Farm, Silly Goat Cheese, Norman Park
Suga's Enterprises LLC, Smoked Gouda Pimento Cheese, Powder Springs
Honey & Related Products:
Built By Bees, Blueberry Whipped Honey, Atlanta
Classic City Bee Company, Smoked Honey, Athens
H. L. Franklin's Healthy Honey, Creamed Honey with Chocolate, Statesboro
Jams & Jellies:
Elusive Jams LLC, Fig Bourbon Jam, White
Fairywood Thicket Farm, Phenomenal Cosmic Strawberry Jam, Fairburn
Savy Confections, Black Cherry Pecan Jam, Fairburn
Meats & Seafood:
Epting Events, Beef Short Ribs, Athens
Jensen Reserve, Coppa Roast, Loganville
Pouch Pies, Chicken, Butternut, Leek & Thyme Pie, Norcross
Miscellaneous:
Georgia Grinders, Pecan-Peanut Butter, Atlanta
Hunter Cattle, Farm Boy's Cane Syrup, Brooklet
Olive Orchards of Georgia, Olive Oil, Quitman
Sauces & Seasonings:
Bacon's Heir, Pork Panko, Chamblee
Beautiful Briny Sea, Gun Powder Finishing Salt, Atlanta
Kay's Cookery, Habeeb's Honey Braised Sauce, Lawrenceville
Snack Foods:
Bodacious Food Company, Mama Geraldine's Pimento Cheese Straws, Jasper
Hardy's Peanuts Inc., Delicious Dill Pickle Party Peanuts, Hawkinsville
The Religious Nuts Company, Cin-Amen, Atlanta