Hartford, CT – The CT Specialty Food Association (CSFA) held it’s twelfth Product Awards Competition on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville. One hundred eighty-four specialty food items from Connecticut-based manufacturers were entered into 35 categories, with hopes of receiving the prestigious honor of CSFA Product Award Winner 2013. A complete list of winners appears here.
A panel of 20 judges consisting of local media personalities, food writers, chefs from the CT Department of Agriculture’s Farm-to-Chef Program, and wine specialists scored products on overall taste/flavor, texture, aroma, and appearance/color. Each judge was assigned to specific categories, responsible for evaluating an average of approximately 30 different products.
Categories included breads, cheese, CT Grown, dessert, gluten-free, ice cream, jam, organic, pasta sauce, salad dressing, savory condiments, snack food, and many others. We also proudly included a variety of wines produced here in Connecticut. All wines were required to contain 100% CT grown fruit. The wide array of food products featured fresh cheeses, cookies, honey, many varieties of sauce, jams, relishes, flavored seeds, oils and vinegars, syrups and much, much more.
“It is always amazing to see the variety of high quality foods and beverages made by producers right here in Connecticut,” said Tricia Levesque, CSFA Director. “This competition showcases the best of the best in the state. Each year we seem to find new entrepreneurs looking to showcase the outstanding products they produce. The products all lend themselves to special occasions, treats, or an everyday meal. They also make wonderful gifts. There is always something for everyone.”
“Purchasing products from Connecticut companies helps to fuel our local economy and create jobs here in our state, which is very important given today’s economy,” Ms. Levesque continued. “It really is a win-win for everyone – consumers get the best quality foods available and Connecticut companies stay strong.”
Consumers looking for CT specialty food products can visit www.ctspecialtyfood.org and ask for them at local markets and grocers.
CSFA is a subdivision of the CT Food Association and is a non-profit organization that represents small food businesses based in the state. To learn more, visit www.ctfoodassociation.org or email ctfood@ctfoodassociation.org.
THE CT SPECIALTY FOOD ASSOCIATION’S 2013 PRODUCT AWARDS COMPETITION WINNERS:
Aged Cheese
1st Place Cato Corner Farm, LLC, Colchester, CT
Dairyere
2nd Place TIE
Cato Corner Farm, LLC, Colchester, CT
Bloomsday
Cato Corner Farm, LLC, Colchester, CT
Vivace
3rd Place Cato Corner Farm, LLC, Colchester, CT
Black Ledge Blue
Source: CT Specialty Food Association (CSFA)