sofi Awards 2012: Part 2

Part 2 of sofi Awards judging is upon us. In Part 1, a few weeks back, a panel of food experts chomped their way through 30 categories—from appetizers to desserts—to select 110 sofi Silver Finalists, all in the running to compete for the coveted sofi Gold Award. Gold Winners will be revealed at a red-carpet ceremony at the Summer Fancy Food Show, June 18 in Washington D.C.

The latter half of the judging process comprises only two categories—but competition increases tenfold for these particularly prestigious awards: Outstanding New Product and Outstanding Product Line. Facing off will be a bevy of cookies, cheeses, meats, beverages and more. But don’t assume it’s in the bag for any of these contenders.

Looking back on past sofi winners reveals a surprising array of champions. In the past decade alone, Outstanding New Product winners have included:

• 2 cheeses
• 1 sauce
• 1 meat
• 1 dessert

• 2 snacks
• 1 dairy product
• 1 condiment
• 1 vinegar

So it’s anybody’s game. Ten years ago, in 2002, the winner was Cypress Grove Chevre’s Midnight Moon, a firm goat’s milk cheese you can still pick up for $25 a pound, and still worth every penny. Other recent New Product winners have included D’Artagnan’s Medallion Duck Foie Gras (2004), Robert Rothschild Farm’s Ginger Wasabi Sauce (2003) and South Africa’s Rozendal Hibiscus Vinegar (2010).

Check in this week as we go on the scene to cover Part 2 of judging, taking place over the next three days. And get ready to get hungry.—Eva Meszaros

> Find more sofi Awards Coverage here

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