The Specialty Food Association Unveils Exciting Changes for the 2026 sofi™ Awards Program

Specialty Food Association's 2026 sofi™ Awards Program

In a significant development for the specialty food industry, the Specialty Food Association (SFA) recently announced exciting changes to its prestigious sofi™ Awards program. Since its inception in 1972, the sofi™ Awards have celebrated excellence within the specialty food sector, and the 2026 edition promises to elevate this tradition further.

Key Changes to the Awards Program

One of the most notable updates is the reduction of Gold Award categories to only 25, a move aimed at intensifying competition among entrants. This restructuring not only enhances the prestige of each category but also ensures that award-winning products stand out amidst a crowd eager to impress. In addition to the traditional awards, the introduction of the Timeless Taste Grand Honor Award marks a new milestone, recognizing producers that consistently demonstrate exceptional quality and innovation over time.

As part of the changes, the SFA has scheduled the announcement of Gold Award recipients and Outstanding Packaging Finalists for autumn 2025, building anticipation for the awards ceremony, which will be held during the inaugural Winter FancyFaire trade show in San Diego from January 11-13, 2026. This event will serve as a celebration for all 2026 sofi Awards winners and provides a unique opportunity for industry players to engage and network.

Submission Process and Panel Judging

Entrants for the 2026 sofi Awards will be able to submit their products starting June 16, 2025, with the submission window closing on August 25, 2025. Notably, SFA membership is a prerequisite for those wishing to participate, encouraging brands eager to showcase their innovations to consider joining the association. Each submission will undergo a rigorous selection process, with finalists determined by a panel of industry experts, including buyers and judges from the renowned Food Innovation Center at Rutgers University. As part of the judging process, feedback—including score breakdowns and judges’ comments—will be provided to all product entries, giving valuable insights that can help brands improve in future submissions.

Mary Beth Vultee, SFA's Senior Vice President of Membership, expressed her enthusiasm for these updates. “The sofi Awards have always been about recognizing excellence. By refining our categories and launching the Timeless Taste Grand Honor, we’re not just celebrating the best products of today—we're honoring those makers who consistently deliver exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and innovation year after year.”

What to Expect at Winter FancyFaire

Attendees at the Winter FancyFaire will have the opportunity to experience the 2026 sofi Awards firsthand and sample some of the winning products. This trade show, focusing on the specialty food sector, is set to become an essential platform for dialogue, discovery, and networking among food industry professionals. With its focus on innovation and quality, Winter FancyFaire is expected to draw significant attention from buyers and producers alike.

For anyone interested in the specialty food sector, whether a seasoned participant or a newcomer, the SFA’s announcements herald a promising evolution of the sofi Awards and the Winter FancyFaire. This is an event not to be missed and an exciting opportunity for brands to be part of a growing conversation in culinary excellence.

About the Specialty Food Association

Founded in 1952, the Specialty Food Association represents a vital segment of the $207-billion specialty food industry. With a membership comprising over 4,000 businesses globally, the SFA supports a diverse community of makers, buyers, importers, distributors, and service providers. In addition to hosting the sofi™ Awards, the association also runs the Summer Fancy Food Show, Winter FancyFaire, and various educational resources aimed at fostering industry success.

For more information on the 2026 sofi Awards, including the product categories and the judging panel, you can visit Specialtyfood.com. Connect with the SFA on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok to stay updated on the latest developments in the specialty food industry.