Source: NCDA&CS, 9/27/18

The N.C. Specialty Foods Association announced winners in its 2018 Product Competition, held Sept. 7 in Bermuda Run. This year’s competition was one of the largest yet, with 82 entries submitted across seven categories.

Mike D’s BBQ was named Grand Champion for its All Purpose Dry Rub. The Durham-based company offers award-winning products that are designed to complement, but not overpower the flavor of any meat or vegetable. The products have a twist on traditional barbecue flavors that pull inspiration from the African American and Latino roots of the company’s owner. Following is a complete list of winners by category:

Baking/Pastry
Winner: Mackey’s Ferry Peanuts, Peanut Butter Cookies
Runner Up: Cheese Bread King, Brazilian Cheese Roll

Beverages
Winner: SeaBrooks Family Naturals, Summer Water Green Apple Cinnamon
Runner Up: SeaBrooks Family Naturals, Summer Water Blueberry Cinnamon

Condiments
Winner: Mike D’s BBQ, Spicy BBQ Sauce
Runner Up: Peggy Rose’s, Champagne Mustard

Dairy/Refrigerated
Winner: Red Clay Gourmet, South Meets East Sriracha Pimiento Cheese
Jams/Jellies
Winner: Yo Momma’s Style, Blackberry Cinnz Jam
Runner Up (Tie): Fogwood Food, Balsamic Grapehull Jam; Fogwood Food, Perfect Peach Jam; and Peggy Rose’s, Hot Pepper Jelly

Pantry
Winner: Mike D’s BBQ, All Purpose Dry Rub
Runner Up: Big Spoon Roasters, Maple Cinnamon Nut Butter

Snacks
Winner: Carolina Kettle, Sir Walter Cream Cheese & Chives Kettle Chips
Runner Up: Carolina Kettle, Cozumel Jalapeno Queso Kettle Chips

Sweets
Winner: Chapel Hill Toffee, Chapel Hill Toffee

To learn more about the companies and the N.C. Specialty Foods Association, go to http://www.ncspecialtyfoods.org.