Norwalk Businesses Among 2012 CT Specialty Food Products Competition Award Winners

Hartford, CT – The CT Specialty Food Association (CSFA) held it’s eleventh Product Awards Competition on Thursday, March 8, 2012, at the Aqua Turf in Plantsville.  Two hundred three specialty food items from Connecticut-based manufacturers were entered into 36 categories, with hopes of receiving the prestigious honor of CSFA Product Award Winner 2012.   A list of Thursday's winners from Norwalk appears below. 

A panel of 21 judges consisting of local media personalities, food writers, chefs from the CT Department of Agriculture’s Farm-to-Chef Program, and wine specialists scored products on overall taste/flavor, consistency/texture, appeal, and color.  Each judge was assigned to specific categories, responsible for evaluating an average of approximately 35 different products.

Categories included breads, cheese, confections, CT Grown, gluten-free, organic, pasta sauces, salad dressings, savory condiments, snack foods, and many others.   We also proudly included a variety of wines produced here in Connecticut.  All wines were required to contain 100% CT grown fruit.  The wide array of food products featured fresh breads, cheeses, many varieties of sauce, jams, relishes, flavored seeds, oils and vinegars, syrups and much, much more.

“It is always amazing to see the diversity and high quality of the foods and beverages made by producers right here in Connecticut,” said Tricia Levesque, CSFA Director.  “This competition showcases the best of the best in the state.  Each year we seem to find additional entrepreneurs looking to showcase the outstanding products they produce.  Not only are these products perfect for everyday meals and parties, they also make wonderful gifts.  There is always something for every member of the family.”

“Purchasing products from Connecticut companies helps to fuel our local economy and create jobs here in our state, which is so important in today’s economy,” Ms. Levesque continued.  “It really is a win-win for everyone – consumers get the best quality foods available andConnecticutcompanies stay strong.”

Consumers looking for CT specialty food products can visit www.ctspecialtyfood.org and ask for them at local markets and grocers. 

CSFA is a subdivision of the CT Food Association and is a non-profit organization that represents small food businesses based in the state.  To learn more, visit www.ctfoodassociation.org or email ctfood@ctfoodassociation.org">ctfood@ctfoodassociation.org.  

CT SPECIALTY FOOD ASSN WINNERS FROM NORWALK:

Bread-Yeast

• 1st Place- Michelle's Pies, Norwalk, CT, Cinnamon Bread with Streusel Topping

Dessert-Pie

• 1st Place- Michelle's Pies, Norwalk, CT, Chocolate Rasberry Pie
• 3rd Place- Michelle's Pies, Norwalk, CT, Mixed Berry Crumb Pie

Frozen Food

• 1st Place- Michelle's Pies, Norwalk, CT, Shepard's Pie
• 2nd Place- Michelle's Pies, Norwalk, CT Chicken Pot Pie

Packaging

• 2nd Place- Ola! Foods, Norwalk, CT, Ola! Granola No Nut Vanilla
• 3rd Place- Ola! Foods, Norwalk, CT, Ola! Granola Crandberry Orange Pecan