Flavor of Georgia contest registration open until Feb. 13

The University of Georgia wants to know your recipe for success – literally.

The 2024 Flavor of Georgia food product contest opened registration in November, but will continue to accept contest registration through February 13. 

The annual contest, which allows businesses to showcase their products and receive feedback from industry professionals, has launched small, start-up food companies, as well as many new products onto the shelves of supermarkets and specialty stores across the country, and has garnered more publicity and sales for existing companies and products already in the market, since its inception in 2007.

The competition, a UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) Signature Event organized by the Department of Food Science and Technology (FST), has encouraged everyone from rural farmers to urban businesses to talented food artisans to create top-level Georgia-made craft foods and beverages. More than 1,500 products have entered the contest since the contest began.

Sharon P. Kane, contest coordinator and food business development specialist, stated, “Georgia is home to some of the best and most creative minds in the food business, and each year the Flavor of Georgia contest helps to showcase that talent.

Manpreet Singh, food science and technology department head, added, “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. The contest serves as a resource to assist the local food industry with product development and prepares entrepreneurs to have their products market-ready.” 

Categories in the 2024 competition include baked goods, barbecue sauces, beverages, condiments, sauces and seasonings, confections, dairy products, honey and syrups, jams and jellies, meats and seafood, miscellaneous, pickled vegetables, relishes and salsas, and snack foods.

Entries are evaluated by category based on their Georgia theme, commercial appeal, taste, innovation and market potential. Three entries in each category will advance to the finals, held in an open-to-the-public competition on Thursday, April 4 in Athens.

Judges for the final round of the contest will include food brokers, grocery buyers and other food product experts. Contestants will provide samples to judges while pitching their products in a three-minute presentation. Winners will be named for each category, the overall grand prize and a people’s choice award, which will be chosen by event attendees.

Visit the 2024 Flavor of Georgia official website for official rules and entry forms. Registration is $100.