#United States #Bayonne #sofi™ Awards #Craize® #Corn Snacks

Craize® Corn Snacks Everything Flavor Named sofi™ Award Finalist

In an exciting announcement, Craize® Corn Snacks Everything Flavor has achieved recognition as a Finalist for the Specialty Food Association's prestigious 2026 sofi™ Awards. This accolade celebrates the top specialty food products, emphasizing excellence and innovation within the industry.

Founded in 1972, the sofi™ Awards have become synonymous with quality and creativity in the food sector. The winners of this year’s awards will be unveiled at the Specialty Food Association's upcoming trade event, Winter FancyFaire, scheduled for January 11-13, 2026, in San Diego, California.

Michele Abo, General Manager of Kayco Beyond, the parent company of Craize®, expressed immense pride in this recognition: "Receiving the sofi Finalist honor is a momentous achievement for us. Craize embodies more than just a snack; it represents a modern, healthy option delivering exceptional taste and versatility. We are thrilled about this accolade and aim to introduce more consumers to the goodness of Craize, which is vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO—all while maintaining incredible flavor and crunch."

What makes Craize® Corn Snacks unique? Employing a distinctive fire-griddling method, these snacks deliver a crispy and flavorful experience, unlike the oily texture often found in baked or fried products. This approach not only enhances the taste but also locks in a delightful crunch, making them perfect for dipping, topping, or enjoying straight from the bag.

The competition for this honor was intense, with over 1,200 entries assessed through blind tastings by a panel of specialty food buyers. Products were judged based on key attributes including flavor, texture, aroma, appearance, ingredient integrity, and creativity. Bill Lynch, President of the Specialty Food Association, remarked, "Amid a sea of food and beverage choices available on retail shelves, these finalists have distinguished themselves, achieving top rankings from our expert judges."

In a world where snack options can be overwhelming, Craize® stands out due to its commitment to clean ingredients and satisfying crunch. Among its key attributes are:

• - Hybrid of Chip and Cracker: Craize invites texture lovers to indulge with a beautifully crunchy product that also boasts the versatility of being topped or enjoyed solo.
• - Fire-Griddled Process: This proprietary process locks in flavor while avoiding the use of oils, providing a wholesome snacking experience.
• - Versatile Consumption: Perfect for pairing with various dips, toppings, or simply savoring on its own.
• - Real Ingredients: With fruits, vegetables, and spices blended into the dough, you can enjoy authentic flavors without compromise.
• - Health-Conscious Choices: Craize® is vegan, non-GMO, Kosher, gluten-free, and manufactured in an allergen-friendly facility.

Offering a delightful balance of sweet and savory, Craize® comes in five signature flavors:
1. Everything: A savory blend of sesame and poppy seeds infused with garlic and onion, reminiscent of a classic bagel.
2. Sweet Corn: Lightly sweetened with dark brown sugar, this flavor pairs effortlessly with jams or nut-based spreads.
3. Guava: Bursting with refreshing and fruity notes derived from authentic guava puree.
4. Coconut: A tropical twist featuring dried coconut, vanilla, and cinnamon.
5. Jalapeño Lime: A zingy option that combines heat with a citrusy kick, balanced by cilantro and lime notes.

The sofi™ Awards are esteemed as the pinnacle of recognition in the booming $219 billion specialty food industry, with former honorees including renowned names like Ben & Jerry's and Kettle Chips. As Craize® continues to grow its presence in the market, it promises enjoyable, versatile snacking experiences that cater to health-conscious consumers.

To learn more about Craize® Snacks and their Everything Flavor, visit www.gocraize.com or follow them on Instagram and Facebook @GoCraize. As part of Kayco Beyond's expanding lineup, Craize® is positioned as a leader, satisfying the cravings of over 14,000 retailers nationwide.

About Kayco Beyond

Kayco is a prominent manufacturer in the kosher food sector, known for its diverse and innovative product range catering to health-conscious lifestyles beyond kosher options. With their headquarters in Bayonne, NJ, Kayco Beyond features brands like Craize®, Mighty Sesame Co.®, and more—consolidating its commitment to delivering quality and innovation in every bite.

About the Specialty Food Association

Established in 1952, the Specialty Food Association represents the thriving $219-billion specialty food industry, supporting over 4,000 businesses with resources, events, and programs that advance culinary excellence worldwide.