Nearly 1,500 Products Competed for Top Specialty Food Association Awards
Carlsbad CA— Bitchin’ Sauce’s Cilantro Chili has won the silver award in the Dip & Salsa category as part of the Specialty Food Association’s (SFA) 2021 sofi™ Awards, a top honor in the $158 billion specialty food industry. Cilantro Chili was one of 130 winners selected from nearly 1,500 entries across 49 product categories. The win marks the fourth straight year that one of Bitchin’ Sauce’s flavors have been recognized. Past winners for Bitchin’ Sauce were Original (Gold, 2019), Chipotle (Silver 2018, Bronze, 2019), Bombay (Silver, 2019), Roasted Green Chili & Pepita (Gold, 2018; Gold, 2020), Spinach Artichoke (Bronze, 2020). Products are judged in an anonymous sampling for taste – including flavor, appearance, texture and aroma – ingredient quality, and innovation. The sofi judging was held at the prestigious Rutgers Food Innovation Center in April following strict safety guidelines.
“The Cilantro Chili has been one of our flagship flavors for years and we’re happy to see it finally get some recognition as one of the most Bitchin’ items in the dipping category. The flavor has been gaining vast distribution this year and this sofi Award will certainly encourage folks to take a chance on the Silly Chili,” says Bitchin’ Sauce Founder, Starr Edwards.
Cilantro Chili: Made with California love. Packed with all natural cilantro, jalapenos, and raw California almonds. Fresh and zesty flavors. Going green never felt so Bitchin’. All Bitchin’ flavors are plant-based, gluten-free, and non-GMO verified. Bitchin’ Sauce can be found in over 7,500 locations nationwide including Costco, Sprouts Farmers Market, Target, Walmart, Whole Foods Market, and many others. For more information on locations check out our store locator. Additionally, the Cilantro Chili flavor has expanded distribution to 500 new Target locations across the US.
About Bitchin’ Sauce
Bitchin’ Sauce is a San Diego based company known for its award-winning almond sauces. Its unconventional business model is a reflection of the unique lives of Bitchin’ founders, husband and wife, Starr Edwards and L.A. Edwards. The third of four children, Starr grew up living a nomadic life on the West Coast. Primarily self-taught in the kitchen and the office, her deeply rooted independent mentality along with her background as a vegan personal chef has poised and aided her in the foundation of the company. She has spent her career sharing her knowledge in food innovation, healthy living, entrepreneurship, business management, and family values. As the Bitchin’ brand continues to grow, Starr’s hand-crafted business model continues to distinguish itself with hallmark determination and inventiveness. Bitchin’ Sauce can be found in major retailers nationwide.
About Specialty Food Association
The Specialty Food Association (SFA), is the leading trade association and source of information about the $158.4 billion specialty food industry. Founded in 1952 in New York City, the SFA represents makers, importers, retailers, distributors, and others in the trade. The SFA is known for its Fancy Food Shows; the sofi™ Awards, which honor excellence in specialty food and beverage; Trendspotter Panel Show reports and annual predictions; the State of the Specialty Food Industry Report; the Product Marketplace database, featuring specialty foods and beverages in 161 categories and sub-categories; Infinite Aisle, a new ecommerce marketplace that enables SFA Members to make buyer-maker connections and sales year-round; and Specialty Food LIVE!™, a digital marketplace experience.