Food businesses and producers from across metro Atlanta took the top spot in several categories in the 2022 Flavor of Georgia food contest.
The competition is held annually by University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and organized by the Department of Food Science and Technology, with the goal of helping launch start-up food companies while getting recognition in new markets for established brands.
Metro Atlanta-based winners in the competition’s 11 categories include:
Barbecue Sauces: Brooksmade Gourmet Foods Inc., Habanero Soulful Sauce, Alpharetta
Confections: Maybird Confections, White Gold Pecan Toffee, Alpharetta
Sauces and Seasonings: Komodo Sauces, Komodo Black, Kennesaw
Snack Foods: Mokipops LLC, Mokipops Basil Lemonade Frozen Fruit Bar Popsicle, Atlanta
Other winners throughout the state include:
Beverages: Byne Blueberry Farms, Blueberry Cider, Waynesboro
Condiments and Salsas: Pride Road LLC, Peach Hibiscus Chutney, Lithonia
Honey and Related Products: Savannah Bee Company, Hot Honey, Savannah
Jams and Jellies: We Bee Jammin’ LLC, Strawberry Lemonade Marmalade, Pooler
Meats and Seafood: White Oak Pastures, Pastured Pork Bacon, Bluffton
Miscellaneous: Sutton Mill Creek Syrup Co., Spiced Apple Cider Hickory Syrup, Clarkesville
A People’s Choice Award, chosen by event attendees, went to HIBO LLC for their HIBO Classic Hibiscus Superdrink +Peach.
Hart Dairy, based in Waynesboro, won the competition’s grand prize for their Pasture Raised & Grass Fed 365 Days Per Year Chocolate Whole Milk.
Led by Tim Connell and Richard Watson, Hart Dairy’s cows are pasture-raised and grass-fed, and its products are available nationwide.
Hart Dairy was among 32 finalists narrowed down from 148 entries during the first round of judging on March 11. Judges for the contest include food brokers, grocery buyers and other food experts. Entries are evaluated by category based on their Georgia theme, commercial appeal, taste, innovation and market potential.
The 32 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. Finalists also received a one-year Georgia Grown membership.
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