Since 2007, Flavor of Georgia, a food product contest has launched new products into success and garnered more publicity and sales for products already in the market. From rural farmers to urban businesses, successful and talented food artisans have emerged from all over Georgia to create delicacies from the abundant agricultural products our state has to offer. Over 1,500 products have entered the contest since it began.
“The Flavor of Georgia contest is a unique opportunity for the Department of Food Science and Technology to engage with food entrepreneurs from around the state of Georgia,” said Manpreet Singh, food science and technology department head. “The contest serves as a resource to assist the local food industry with product development and prepares entrepreneurs to have their products market-ready.”
Barlow’s Foods won the grand prize at the 2023 Flavor of Georgia food contest for their product Barlow’s Peach Cobbler Syrup. Barlow’s Foods is a packaged foods company located in Atlanta and founded by Tiffani Neal. The woman-owned business creates pancake mixes and assorted breakfast staples, including their winning syrup.
The 2023 winners
This year’s winners were selected from 36 finalists and represent all corners of the state as well as the best of Georgia’s diverse culinary heritage. Winners are listed by company, product name and city within the 12 competition categories.
Baked Goods: Honey Specialties, Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake, Millen
Barbecue Sauces: Oconee Creations LLC, Oconee Gold White Gold, Statham
Beverages: HIBO, HIBO Energize Original, Bishop
Condiments, Sauces and Seasonings: Braswell Food Company, Vidalia Onion Steak Sauce, Statesboro
Confections: Brittle Brittle Bakeries LLC, Pecan Brittle, Fort Gaines
Dairy Products: Dulce Gelato, Probiotic Kefir Gelato, Woodstock
Honey and Syrups: Barlow’s Foods, Barlow’s Peach Cobbler Syrup, Atlanta
Jams and Jellies: Georgia Jams LLC, Georgia Scorcher Pepper Spread, Williamson
Meats and Seafood: Jensen Reserve, Biltong Style Bresaola Make Your Own Charcuterie Kit, Loganville
Miscellaneous: Woodpecker Trail Olive Farm, First Press EVOO, Glennville
Pickled Vegetables, Relish and Salsas: Sully’s Salsa, Sully’s Slammin Mild Fresh Salsa, Roswell
Snack Foods: Caja Popcorn, Vadouvan Curry Popcorn
A People’s Choice Award, chosen by event attendees, went to the Savannah Bee Company for their Hot Honey BBQ Sauce.
For the first time, the award ceremony and reception were open to the public. Attendees were able to sample the cream of the crop from the competition before the winners from each category and the overall contest winner were announced.
