Source:  NCDA&CS, 8/27/10

Companies from Rougemont, Elizabethtown and Holly Springs were winners in the Product Awards Competition at the N.C. Specialty Foods Association’s fall conference.

Fancy’s Candy’s of Rougemont was named the 2010 Grand Champion for its Sin in a Tin Milk Chocolate and Walnut Toffee.

D’vine Foods of Elizabethtown took home two awards. The company’s Muscadine Vinaigrette won in the Dressings category, and its Stokes Purple Sweet Potato Butter took the prize in the Jams, Jellies and Preserves category.

Grill Master Chuck of Holly Springs won in the Dry Mixes, Dips and Rubs category for its Grill Master Steak Rub.

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler presented the awards during the association’s conference at the State Fairgrounds.

“It’s an honor to be able to meet some of the wonderful specialty food entrepreneurs in our state and recognize their efforts,” Troxler said. “I’m proud of the work our North Carolina companies do and the great products they represent.”

There were 10 entries in the Dressings category, 13 in the Jams, Jellies and Preserves category, and 15 in the Dry Mixes, Dips and Rubs category.

Judges were culinary instructors Fredi Morf and Leigh Sherrin of Wake Technical Community College, and Elizabeth Norfleet, publisher of Taste-Full magazine.

The NCSFA is a statewide organization of more than 60 manufacturing and retail companies involved in the production and marketing of a variety of specialty foods products. The association meets twice a year, each time recognizing companies in different product categories.

Conference speakers were Edwin Rivera, sales manager for the New York-based National Association for the Specialty Foods Trade, and Betty Evans, senior sales manager for AmericasMart Gifts and Home Furnishings Show in Atlanta.