The Savor the State: A Flavor of Georgia Tasting Experience is once again taking place in Athens, where judges will taste their way through an array of Georgia delicacies.

Narrowed from a field of more than 180 products submitted by 80 businesses, the finalists will compete on March 27 at The Classic Center in Athens with an award ceremony to follow.

The 2026 event, Savor the State, is open to the public from 2 to 6 p.m. The $20 public admission includes samples from finalists in attendance, a tote bag and one drink ticket. Attendees will also be able to purchase products from finalists. Tickets are now available.

Hosted by the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), the competition shines a light on small businesses in Georgia, and all the tasty food products that contribute to the state’s economy.

Laurel Dunn, assistant professor and UGA Cooperative Extension coordinator in the Department of Food Science and Technology, said the competition helps small businesses find connection within their communities among food, fellowship and festivities.

“The product competition helps those small to medium-sized beginning entrepreneurs,” Dunn said. “We get a lot of excitement from new entrepreneurs as they develop new products that bring them exposure.”

Narrowing down the finalists

Preliminary judging took place on the UGA Griffin campus at the Food Product and Innovation Center (FoodPIC), where entries were judged on a multitude of factors, including ingredient profile, consumer appeal, and, of course, flavor. Judges narrowed the applicant pool down to three finalists per category.

The finalists will advance to Savor the State, where they will participate in a full day of judging, including a Shark Tank-style panel of judges who will hear their product pitches.

Judges will announce winners from each category and choose the overall contest winner at Savor the State. Attendees can vote for their favorite finalist in the People’s Choice Awards.

2026 Flavor of Georgia finalists

This year’s finalists are listed by product name, company and hometown within the 12 competition categories, with a few companies selected as finalists in multiple categories this year. Each product comes from a company based in Georgia.

Baked Goods

• Garlic and Herb Bread Rolls by Papa Mountain in Augusta
• Pecan Blondies by Peacock Orchards in Woodstock
• Sweet Potato Pecan Red Velvet Cake Cookies by Yams Foods in Marietta

Barbeque Sauces and Seasonings

• Georgia Peach Smoke by Russell’s Handcrafted in Newnan
• Crunchy Peanut Seasoning by PODI Life in Cumming
• Sweet Honey BBQ Sauce by Savannah Bee Company in Savannah

Beverages

• Blue Harvest Tea by Deer Creek Farm in Covington
• Caribbean Hibiscus by Caribbean Hibiscus in Decatur
• Classic Sweet Tea by Culture Sweet Tea in Atlanta

Cakes

• Sweet Potato Cheesecake by Dorothy’s Desserts in Atlanta
• Pumpkin-Pecan Coffee Cake by Flour Lady Bakery in Roswell
• Limoncello Pound Cake by Sunnyland Farms in Albany

Condiments and Sauces

• Summertime Blues by Atlanta Burns in Pine Lake
• Carmen’s SPICY Cilantro Sauce by Carmen’s Green Sauce in Covington
• Honey Hot Sauce by Savannah Bee Company in Savannah

Confections

• The Complete Georgia Collection by Xocolatl Chocolate in Atlanta
• Sweet Tea Candy by Grits Bits in Atlanta
• Bourbon Caramel Turtles by Maybird Confections in Alpharetta

Dairy Products

• Honey Peach Pecan Cream Cheese by Now Schmear This! in Austell
• Sweet Potato Pecan Chocolate Ice Cream Bar by Yams Foods in Marietta

Honey, Syrups, Jams and Jellies

• Summer Berries and Wine Spread by Georgia Jams in Williamson
• Whipped Honey with Cinnamon by Savannah Bee Company in Savannah
• Peaches & Cream by Becca’s Jams & Jelly in Carrollton

Meats and Seafood

• Aged Pre-Seasoned New York Strip Steak by White Oak Pastures in Bluffton
• Piecasso: Chicken, Bacon, and Spinach Pie by Pouch Pies in Norcross
• That’s So Gouda by Nine Twenty Company in Millen

Miscellaneous

• Stone-Ground Grits by Artisan Milling Co. in Rome
• Praline Pecan Butter by Peacock Orchards in Woodstock
• Cherry Poppin’ Vinegar by The Tickled Pickler in Powder Springs

Pickled Vegetables, Relish and Salsas

• Cukelear Weapons by Point Blank Pepper Company in Marietta
• The Green Tomatoes by [PICKLES] Evergreen and Market in Tucker
• Hot Pickled Okra by Powerful Pepper Co. in Mableton

Snack Foods

• Sweet Georgia Peach Grits Bits by Grits Bits in Atlanta
• Sugar Fried Pecans by Ocmulgee Orchards in Hawkinsville
• Glazed Pecans by River Street Sweets in Savannah

Showcasing food entrepreneurship across the state

“Everyone who works with Flavor of Georgia agrees that one of the most exciting aspects of this CAES Signature Event is partnering with food business entrepreneurs who are turning bold ideas into market-ready products,” said Faith Critzer, professor and interim head of the food science and technology department. “Supporting their journey through this event and other outreach opportunities really demonstrates the great things that can happen through strong public-private partnerships.”

Since the first competition in 2007, more than 2,410 products have been entered into the contest. Participating businesses have experienced increased sales, business contacts, publicity and overall interest in their products.

The Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest is organized by the UGA Department of Food Science and Technology and supported by presenting sponsor Massey Ferguson as well as the Georgia Department of Agriculture and Georgia Grown, the CAES Alumni Association, Farm Credit Associations of Georgia, Corteva Agriscience, the Georgia Agribusiness Council, and The Dairy Alliance. The annual event is among a handful of CAES Signature Events. These special events showcase outstanding faculty contributions, foster community and industry collaboration, and spotlight the college’s impact on a global scale.

To learn more about Savor the State: A Flavor of Georgia Tasting Experience and to buy tickets to attend the March 27 event, visit the Flavor of Georgia website at flavorofgeorgia.caes.uga.edu.  

Let your tastebuds be the judge at this year’s event!