Two favorite local food products won their respective categories in the 2024 edition of the University of Georgia's annual Flavor of Georgia competition.
Braswell's Food Company's 1946 Sugar Free BBQ Sauce won the Barbecue Sauce category, and Cork's Popcorn's Buffalo Ranch popcorn won the Snack Foods category. Learn more about each product below.
1946 Sugar Free BBQ Sauce
Great tasting, Unique, Healthy.
Braswell’s is known for having a great selection of Barbecue sauces in a variety of flavors, but our 1946 Sugar Free BBQ Sauce is something special. This flavor is made using the freshest ingredients, resulting in a great taste that will not overpower your food. If having a great-tasting, low-calorie, and sugar-free diet is a concern, this flavor continues Braswell’s great tasting sauces, without the added sugar. This sauce is perfect for use on meats like chicken and pork, though it can also be used to add some flavor to other dishes that you prepare, including a mixture of vegetables and dips.
One food that’s the perfect pairing: Pork
Buffalo Ranch Popcorn
Bold, Spicy, Delicious.
We’ve captured the bold and slightly spicy essence of buffalo sauce and married it with the creamy coolness of ranch dressing. The result is a tantalizing combination that will ignite your taste buds and keep you coming back for more. Get ready for a popcorn experience that’s anything but ordinary.
One food that’s the perfect pairing: Corks Caramel Maple Pecan Popcorn
Other local entrants included Baby CJ's BBQ Sauce, Cork's Caramel Maple Pecan Popcorn, Honey Specialties' Georgia Peach Praline Cheesecake, Braswell's Meyer Lemon Blood Orange Pepper Jelly (finalist), Honey Specialties' Peanut Butter Fluffer Nutter Cheesecake, and Braswell's Vidalia Onion Mustard.
Each entry in the Flavor of Georgia contest is featured in the digital product directory, including a professional photograph and brief overview, which is seen by leading food industry buyers and media outlets. The 36 finalists received a personalized press release, use of the Flavor of Georgia finalist logo on their label and promotional materials, and the opportunity to present their product to a panel of food industry experts at the final judging event. Finalists also received a one-year Georgia Grown membership, courtesy of the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
The grand prize winner, PECHES Georgia Peach Soda, was awarded an exhibit space at the Georgia Food Industry Association annual convention (a $1,500 value) and three consultation sessions from the UGA Food Product Innovation and Commercialization Center (FoodPIC) on product or process design, ingredient functionality, sensory testing or shelf-life determination (a $1,500 value).
“Starting a food company is challenging enough; navigating the technical and regulatory process adds additional stress to entrepreneurs,” said Jim Gratzek, FoodPIC director. “We are happy to help establish food safety planning, navigate the regulatory process and provide assistance in commercializing these products and more into the Georgia market.”
In his remarks at the award ceremony, CAES Dean and Director Nick T. Place detailed the high value the college places on innovation and entrepreneurship.
“We recognize that, without those two elements, it is challenging to address complex issues in agriculture and environment,” Place said. “With entrepreneurs competing from all across the state, Flavor of Georgia is an opportunity to not only showcase all that Georgia has to offer, but also to propel these individuals and businesses forward as leaders in the food industry.”
To learn more about the contest, visit flavorofgeorgia.caes.uga.edu
