pi00a's Frozen Miso Eggplant Pizza Wins Grand Prize at 2025 Winter Fancy Food Show

pi00a's Triumph at the 2025 SFA Winter Fancy Food Show

In a spectacular display of culinary creativity, pi00a emerged victorious at the Specialty Food Association's Fancy Face-Off Pitch Competition held on January 20th during the 49th Winter Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas. Their signature creation, the Frozen Miso Eggplant Pizza, wowed judges and attendees alike, earning them the coveted Grand Prize, which includes an impressive prize package valued at over $20,000.

The event, hosted by prominent Las Vegas culinary figure Al Mancini, featured over 50 competitors, from which four finalists were ultimately selected. These finalists presented their innovative products to an esteemed panel of judges and an audience filled with culinary professionals. The judges evaluated a range of factors including innovation, ingredient quality, market potential, pitch presentation, and taste—all critical elements when determining the winner.

Among the notable judges on the panel were Al Mancini himself, Casey Gaston of Whole Foods Market, Brandon Ng from Houlihan Lokey, and James Ren of Thrive Market. Each judge had the opportunity to sample the products and assign scores, which helped in deciding the ultimate winner.

Following her win, Melody Stein, the creative mind behind pi00a, expressed her gratitude, saying, “This is an amazing feeling to be recognized for our product. Thank you for everything SFA!” Bill Lynch, President of the Specialty Food Association, praised all finalists for their contributions and the inspiring stories behind their products, emphasizing the dynamic nature of the specialty food industry.

As part of the Grand Prize, Stein received a comprehensive promotional package designed to enhance pi00a’s market presence and business capabilities. This included $10,000 in cash, booth space and furnishings for the upcoming 2026 Winter FancyFaire, a one-year RangeMe Pro subscription, membership and credit from Thrive Market, a feature on Startup CPG, a one-hour business consulting session with industry expert Jack Acree, and more. This invaluable support aims to promote pi00a's growth and enhance its visibility within the specialty food sector.

The Specialty Food Association, established in 1952, continues to celebrate and promote the specialty food industry, which is valued at $207 billion and consists of over 4,000 businesses around the globe. As a champion for participation and success within this diverse community, the SFA provides resources, education, and platforms to foster innovation in food and beverage.

For those seeking a taste of pi00a's winning product, the Frozen Miso Eggplant Pizza promises to be a delightful and unique addition to any menu. With its rich flavors and commitment to quality, pi00a is set to carve out a significant niche in the competitive world of specialty foods.

Interested parties can learn more about the Specialty Food Association and pi00a by visiting their respective websites and social media. As the specialty food market continues to evolve, pi00a stands as a beacon of innovation to watch in the coming years.