BARRE, Vt. (WCAX) – When it comes to specialty foods, businesses based in the Green Mountain State are standing out. Some of those artisan food makers from around the world recently converged on New York City to share their talents, and two Vermont companies were the cream of the crop.
It’s almost an Oscar for specialty food makers. The “Golden Sofi” is handed out to just a handful of entries at the annual Fancy Food Show in New York City.
“This is an incredible award for our employees. We are so proud of our butter makers, our Vermont based team — 120 or so people — who are involved in making these products,” said Eliza Leeper with Vermont Creamery:
The Websterville business has won numerous awards over its 40 years in operation. A new goat cheese variety was also entered in this years Specialty Foods Association competition but it was the cultured butter that stood out.
“This is really an award for all of us in Vermont, from the farmers who are producing to everyone in our creamery who is involved in the butter making process,” Leeper said.
That that wasn’t the only company taking home the hardware. Windsor-based Blake Hill Preserves also won gold for its Mango Pineapple Habenero Spicy Chilli jam.
Vermont Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts was among the Vermont delegation at the show and says the focus on quality is what makes Vermont made products stand out. “Fresh ingredients, innovative recipes, and really paying attention when it starts essentially at the farm,” he said. Tebbetts says that shows like these also open the doors to new opportunities. “Buyers come by, they taste their product, they look at their product, and it gives them a chance to maybe go to a bigger market.”
Vermont Creamery founders Allison Hooper and Bob Reese were honored with a Lifetime Achievement award at the show. .
Blake Hill’s win comes on the heels of a Good Food Award win this April.
Two businesses not only competing on the world stage but also proving they are the best.