FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2015
Contact:
Tricia Levesque, CT Specialty Food Association
[email protected] or 860-216-4055
2015 CT Specialty Food Product Awards Announced
Hartford, CT – The CT Specialty Food Association (CSFA) held it’s fourteenth Product
Awards Competition on Tuesday, March 24, 2015, at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville. One hundred
seventy-nine specialty food items from Connecticut-based manufacturers were entered into 33
categories, with hopes of receiving the prestigious honor of CSFA Product Award Winner 2015.
A complete list of Tuesday’s winners appears below.
A panel of 24 judges consisting of local media personalities, food writers, Connecticut
chefs, and wine specialists scored products on overall taste/flavor, texture, aroma, and
appearance. Each judge was assigned to specific categories, responsible for evaluating an
average of approximately 30 different products.
Categories included breads, cheese, chocolate, CT Grown, dessert, gluten-free, ice cream,
jam, pasta sauce, salad dressing, savory condiments, snack food, syrup, 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, breads,
cookies, teas, many varieties of sauces, jams, relishes, flavored seeds, oils and vinegars, syrups
and much, much more.
The competition was very close this year. There were several products in the running for
top honors. It is always wonderful to see the variety of high quality foods and beverages made
by Connecticut producers. There is so much right here in our state that people aren’t aware of.
This competition showcases the best of the best in the state. Each year new entrepreneurs
approach the Association looking to showcase the outstanding products they produce alongside
those that have participated in the event for years. The products all lend themselves to special
occasions, treats, or everyday meals. They also make wonderful gifts. There is always
something to please every taste.
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. The CT Specialty
Food Association Product Awards Competition is a win for everyone. It helps Connecticut
companies stay strong by showcasing the high quality foods produced here to consumers.
Consumers looking for CT specialty food products can visit www.ctspecialtyfood.org or
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 [email protected].
THE CT SPECIALTY FOOD ASSOCIATION’S
2015 PRODUCT AWARDS COMPETITION WINNERS:
2014 Food Product of the Year
Matthew’s 1812 House, Inc., Cornwall Bridge, CT
Chocolate Dipped Hazelnut Cookie
2014 Wine Product of the Year
Sunset Meadow Vineyard, Goshen, CT
Blustery Blend, 2014
Aged Cheese
1st Place
Cato Corner Farm, LLC, Colchester, CT
Dairyere
2nd Place
Cato Corner Farm, LLC, Colchester, CT
Aged Bloomsday
3rd Place
Cato Corner Farm, LLC, Colchester, CT
Bridgid’s Abbey
Bread
1st Place
Tasty Good Eats, LLC, Bridgeport, CT
Gluten Free Onion Rye Bread
2nd Place
Tasty Good Eats, LLC, Bridgeport, CT
Gluten Free Pumpernickel Rye Bread
3rd Place
Bread Empire, Bridgeport, CT
Gluten Free Buddha Bread
Chocolate
1st Place
Bridgewater Chocolate, LLC, Brookfield, CT
Chocolate Chewy Peanut Bar
2nd Place
Bridgewater Chocolate, LLC, Brookfield, CT
Chocolate Creamy Caramels
3rd Place
Plum Brook Chocolate, Woodbury, CT
Sugar Shed Maple
Coffee/Tea
1st Place
Whole Harmony, Higganum, CT
Goj Berry Raspberry Iced Tea
2nd Place
TIE
Namttip, LLC, Georgetown, CT
Green Leaf Tea
Simpson & Vail, Inc., Brookfield, CT
Coconut Macaroon Green Rooibos Tea
3rd Place
Simpson & Vail, Inc., Brookfield, CT
Pomegranate Detox Tea
Confection/Dessert
1st Place
Heavenly Bites, Wilton, CT
Lemon Drop Cake Bites
2nd Place
Matthew’s 1812 House, Inc., Cornwall Bridge, CT
Marzipan Cookies
3rd Place
Tasty Good Eats, LLC, Bridgeport, CT
Gluten Free Decadent Chocolate Tart
Cookie
1st Place
Rachel’s Cookies & Treats, Plainville, CT
Molasses Cookie
2nd Place
TIE
Rachel’s Cookies & Treats, Plainville, CT
Chocolate Chip Cookie
Rachel’s Cookies & Treats, Plainville, CT
Ginger Snap Cookie
3rd Place
Rachel’s Cookies & Treats, Plainville, CT
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie
CT Grown
1st Place
Killam & Bassette Farmstead, LLC, South Glastonbury, CT
Strawberry Jam
2nd Place
Bishop’s Orchards Farm Market, Guilford, CT
Apple Cider
3rd Place
Gourganics Organic Salsa & Simmer, Fairfield, CT
Gourganics Mild Salsa
Frozen Food
1st Place
Tasty Good Eats, LLC, Bridgeport, CT
Gluten Free Scallion Cheese Rolls
2nd Place
Tasty Good Eats, LLC, Bridgeport, CT
Gluten Free Jalapeno Cheese Rolls
3rd Place
Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm, LLC, Moosup CT
Turkey Pie
Gluten Free
1st Place
Matthew’s 1812 House, Inc., Cornwall Bridge, CT
Chocolate Dipped Hazelnut Cookie
2nd Place
Matthew’s 1812 House, Inc., Cornwall Bridge, CT
Cranapple Cookie
3rd Place
Farm 2 Jars, LLC, Ridgefield, CT
Berry Peachy No-Grain-Ola
Ice Cream
1st Place
Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm, LLC, Moosup CT
Black Current Ice Cream
2nd Place
Tea-rrific! Ice Cream, LLC, Bridgeport, CT
London Mist Ice Cream
3rd Place
TIE
Tea-rrific! Ice Cream, LLC, Bridgeport, CT
Ginger Matcha Ice Cream
Tea-rrific! Ice Cream, LLC, Bridgeport, CT
Masala Chai Ice Cream
Jam
1st Place
Winding Drive, Inc., Woodbury, CT
Black Raspberry Jam
2nd Place
Killam & Bassette Farmstead, LLC, South Glastonbury, CT
Apple Pie Jam
3rd Place
Roses Berry Farm, LLC, South Glastonbury, CT
Strawberry Rhubarb Jam
Oil
1st Place
Ariston Specialties, LLC, Bloomfield, CT
Select Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2nd Place
Ariston Specialties, LLC, Bloomfield, CT
Oregano Infused Olive Oil
3rd Place
Ariston Specialties, LLC, Bloomfield, CT
Pesto Infused Olive Oil
Packaging
1st Place
Kathie’s Kitchen, LLC, North Haven, CT
SuperSeedz Product Line – Six 1oz. Bags
2nd Place
Kathie’s Kitchen, LLC, North Haven, CT
SuperSeedz Maple Sugar & Sea Salt Pumpkin Seeds
3rd Place
Simpson & Vail, Inc., Brookfield, CT
Winter Wonderland Tea
Pasta Sauce
1st Place
The Gracious Gourmet, Bridgewater, CT
Hatch Chile Pesto
2nd Place
Chef Silvio’s of Wooster Street, Guilford, CT
Chef Silvio’s Capricciosa Sauce
3rd Place
Chef Silvio’s of Wooster Street, Guilford, CT
Chef Silvio’s Sunday Sauce
Pickle
1st Place
Killam & Bassette Farmstead, LLC, South Glastonbury, CT
Bread & Butter Pickles
2nd Place
Killam & Bassette Farmstead, LLC, South Glastonbury, CT
Sweet Pickle Spears
3rd Place
Killam & Bassette Farmstead, LLC, South Glastonbury, CT
Dill Pickles
Relish
1st Place
Killam & Bassette Farmstead, LLC, South Glastonbury, CT
Zucchini Relish
2nd Place
The Gracious Gourmet, Bridgewater, CT
Sweet Caramelized Onions
3rd Place
Victoria Amory & Co., Greenwich, CT
Red Chili Piri Piri
Salad Dressing
1st Place
Kerry Wood Healthy Foods, Westport, CT
Ginger Carrot Dressing
2nd Place
Harry’s Bishops Corner, West Hartford, CT
Caesar Dressing
3rd Place
TIE
Harry’s Bishops Corner, West Hartford, CT
Sundried Tomato Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
Kerry Wood Healthy Foods, Westport, CT
Balsamic Parmesan Dressing
Salsa
1st Place
Gourganics Organic Salsa & Simmer, Fairfield, CT
Gourganics Spicy Salsa
2nd Place
Holmberg Orchards & Winery, Gales Ferry, CT
Salsa
3rd Place
Holmberg Orchards & Winery, Gales Ferry, CT
Peach Salsa
Savory Condiment
1st Place
Winding Drive, Inc., Woodbury, CT
Peach Mango Barbecue Sauce
2nd Place
Winding Drive, Inc., Woodbury, CT
Habanero Gold Jelly
3rd Place
Ariston Specialties, LLC, Bloomfield, CT
Strawberry Balsamic Glaze
Snack Food
1st Place
Bishop’s Orchards Farm Market, Guilford, CT
Maple Kettlecorn
2nd Place
Kathie’s Kitchen, LLC, North Haven, CT
SuperSeedz Maple Sugar & Sea Salt Pumpkin Seeds
3rd Place
TIE
Bishop’s Orchards Farm Market, Guilford, CT
Apple Sauce
Tasty Good Eats, LLC, Bridgeport, CT
Gluten Free Zucchini Carrot Coconut Bread
Spice/Seasoning
1st Place
Turkeywoods Farm, LLC, Mystic, CT
Garlic Ghost Sea Salt
2nd Place
Simpson & Vail, Inc., Brookfield, CT
Mulling Spice
3rd Place
Little’s Specialty Foods, Inc., New Canaan, CT
Chili Pepper Chili Seasoning Mix - Original
Sweet Topping/Syrup
1st Place
Turkeywoods Farm, LLC, Mystic, CT
Woodland Honey
2nd Place
TIE
Kathie’s Kitchen, LLC, North Haven, CT
SuperSeedz Maple Sugar & Sea Salt Pumpkin Seeds
Turkeywoods Farm, LLC, Mystic, CT
Hickory Syrup
3rd Place
Bishop’s Orchards Farm Market, Guilford, CT
Apple Butter
Tapenade
1st Place
The Gracious Gourmet, Bridgewater, CT
Black Olive Tapenade
2nd Place
The Gracious Gourmet, Bridgewater, CT
Chili Red Pepper Tapenade
3rd Place
TIE
The Gracious Gourmet, Bridgewater, CT
Artichoke Parmesan Tapenade
The Gracious Gourmet, Bridgewater, CT
Roasted Eggplant Tapenade
Vinegar
1st Place
Ariston Specialties, LLC, Bloomfield, CT
Blueberry Infused Balsamic Vinegar
2nd Place
TIE
Ariston Specialties, LLC, Bloomfield, CT
Pear Cinnamon Infused Balsamic Vinegar
Ariston Specialties, LLC, Bloomfield, CT
Pomegranate Infused Balsamic Vinegar
3rd Place
Ariston Specialties, LLC, Bloomfield, CT
Fig Infused Balsamic Vinegar
Wine - Blush
1st Place
Sunset Meadow Vineyards, Goshen, CT
Sunset Blush, 2013
Wine - Dessert
1st Place
Hopkins Vineyard, New Preston, CT
Ice Wine, 2013
*This wine received high enough marks from all of the judges to be placed in the
Exceptional category, the highest category in which a wine could place.
2nd Place
Sunset Meadow Vineyards, Goshen, CT
Midnight Ice, 2013
3rd Place
Jones Winery, Shelton, CT
Seven Generations, NV
Wine – Dry Red
1st Place
Jones Winery, Shelton, CT
Cabernet Franc, 2012
2nd Place
Sunset Meadow Vineyards, Goshen, CT
New Dawn, 2012
3rd Place
Hopkins Vineyard, New Preston, CT
Lemberger, 2012
Wine – Dry White
1st Place
Sunset Meadow Vineyards, Goshen, CT
Cayuga White, 2013
2nd Place
Preston Ridge Vineyard, Preston, CT
Estate Vidal Blanc, 2013
3rd Place
Hopkins Vineyard, New Preston, CT
Vineyard Reserve, 2013
Wine - Fruit
1st Place
Bishop’s Orchards Winery, Guilford, CT
Celebration, NV
2nd Place
Jones Winery, Shelton, CT
Harvest Time, NV
3rd Place
TIE
Bishop’s Orchards Winery, Guilford, CT
Apple Raspberry Blush, NV
Sunset Meadow Vineyards, Goshen, CT
Enchanted Apple, 2013
Wine – Fruit/Sparkling
1st Place
Bishop’s Orchards Winery, Guilford, CT
Rubus Nightfall, NV
*This wine received high enough marks from all of the judges to be placed in the
Exceptional category, the highest category in which a wine could place.
2nd Place
Holmberg Orchards &Winery, Gales Ferry, CT
Macintosh Hard Cider, 2013
Wine – Other White
1st Place
Sunset Meadow Vineyards, Goshen, CT
Blustery Blend, 2014
*This wine received high enough marks from all of the judges to be placed in the
Exceptional category, the highest category in which a wine could place.
2nd Place
Sunset Meadow Vineyards, Goshen, CT
Vidal Blanc, 2013
3rd Place
Hopkins Vineyard, New Preston, CT
Westwind, 2013
Wine - Rosé
1st Place
Sunset Meadow Vineyards, Goshen, CT
Rosé, 2013
Wine – Sparkling
1st Place
Hopkins Vineyard, New Preston, CT
Gold Label Sparkling Wine, NV
2nd Place
Holmberg Orchards &Winery, Gales Ferry, CT
Bubbly Blanc, 2013
CONNECTICUT FOOD ASSOCIATION
Visit us at www.ctfoodassociation.org
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