ATLANTA — Savannah food marketers ranked at the top of three categories in the University of Georgia’s 2015 Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest.
The Savannah winners and their categories included:
• Confections: Georgia Peach Cookies, Byrd Cookie Company, Geoff Repella
• Marinades and Sauces: Tybee Island Coastal Blend, The Salt Table, Carol and Dave Legasse
• Snack Foods: Savannah Snaps, Verdant Kitchen, Ross Harding
The annual contest, conducted by the UGA Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development, is a chance for food businesses to showcase their new products.
Adriana Coppola, a native Italian now living in Marietta, won the grand prize with her A&A Alta Cucina Italia Balsamico al Mirtillo, a blueberry balsamic vinegar reduction.
Gov. Nathan Deal and Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black announced the category and grand prize winners as part of Georgia Agriculture Awareness Day at the Georgia Freight Depot in Atlanta.
“Though hundreds of food products have come through the Flavor of Georgia contest since 2007, Georgians just keep coming up with a new ‘crop’ of excellent entries each year,” said Sharon P. Kane, Flavor of Georgia contest coordinator.
Food industry experts including grocery buyers, food service personnel and agricultural marketing executives rated Alta Cucina Italia’s Balsamico al Mirtillo and the other products based on innovation, use of Georgia theme, market potential and flavor, said James Daniels, a UGA food business development specialist.
Showcase events such as the 2015 Flavor of Georgia competition help entrepreneurs spread the word about their products. Many have landed spots in regional and national grocery chains such as Whole Foods, Fresh Market, Earth Fare, Kroger and Harvey’s.
