Abokichi Wins Gold in Condiments, Dressings and Marinades sofi™ Awards
Nearly 2,000 Products Competed for Top Specialty Food Association Award
Toronto, ON (August 25, 2020) – Abokichi’s OKAZU has won the gold award in the Condiments, Dressings and Marinades as part of the Specialty Food Association’s (SFA) 2020 sofi™ Awards, a top honor in the $158 billion specialty food industry.
OKAZU was one of 148 winners selected by a panel of specialty food experts from nearly 2,000 entries across 39 product categories. Products are judged on taste, including flavor, appearance, texture and aroma, ingredient quality and innovation. All tastings are blind. This year, for the first time, sofi judging was held at the prestigious Rutgers Food Innovation Center following strict safety guidelines.
“We are incredibly honored that OKAZU has won a gold award!” says Fumi, co-owner of Abokichi. “As a small Canadian food company led by three entrepreneurs, this special win lets us know that OKAZU is hard to beat when it comes to flavor. We are so proud and grateful to have received this prestigious stamp of approval!” OKAZU can be found online as well as numerous stores throughout North America.
“It’s a privilege to continue the sofi Award tradition of recognizing extraordinary products and the people behind them,” says SFA Interim President Bill Lynch. “Having great news to celebrate, like the sofi Awards, is revitalizing for all of us in this pandemic year. The sofi finalists represent our dynamic industry - exciting consumers and expanding retail offerings around the world.”
The sofi Awards are open to members of the Specialty Food Association, a not-for-profit trade association with specialty food industry members across the U.S. The awards have been given each year since 1972.
About Abokichi
Abokichi was founded in 2013 by Jess Mantell. Located in Toronto, ON, the company’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that products should be made with healthy, clean ingredients while preserving the environment. Using vegan, non-GMO, preservative-free and gluten-free ingredients, Abokichi develops and specializes in versatile and convenient miso products. From their award-winning chili miso oil condiments to their naturally-fermented instant miso soups, the company’s goal is to make cooking easier, tastier and more nutritious. Future plans for Abokichi includes a high-protein instant miso ramen as well as other miso-based products.
More information about Abokichi can be found on the company’s website and well as their Instagram.
About the Specialty Food Association
Founded in 1952 in New York City, the Specialty Food Association (SFA) is the leading advocate for the $158.4 billion specialty food industry. Representing makers, importers, entrepreneurs, retailers, distributors and others in the trade, the SFA aims to champion, nurture and connect its members to deliver traditional and innovative new products to consumers that expand consumption of specialty foods. With over 4,000 member companies, the Association helps its members through providing information, research, educational events, and celebrating the industry through its awards programs. The SFA is known for hosting the Winter and Summer Fancy Food Shows and presents the sofi™ Awards honoring excellence in specialty food. Learn more at specialtyfood.com
Abokichi Media Contact:
Fumi Tsukamoto, Abokichi co-founder
Email: info@abokichi.com
Phone: 1-416-992-0298
Specialty Food Association Media Contact:
PR Department, press@specialtyfood.com