Goodson Pecans to compete as finalist in UGA’s 2024 Flavor of Georgia contest
Judges have selected Goodson Pecans’ products, Toasted Pecan Fudge Butter and their Sweet Orange Pecans, as two of 36 finalists to compete in the second and final round of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences’ annual Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest.
Narrowed from a field of nearly 140 products, the finalists will compete on April 4 at The Classic Center in Athens with an award ceremony to follow. The 2024 event is open to the public from 4 to 6 p.m.; the $20 admission includes samples from finalists in attendance and one drink ticket. Registration is now open.
“Our Sweet Orange Pecans are both a unique and refreshing pecan flavor. They are made using premium pecans and high-quality orange oil,” said David Goodson when describing Sweet Orange Pecans. About Toasted Pecan Fudge Butter, he noted, “Our Toasted Pecan Fudge Butter is created using premium pecans from our family farm. It is a unique product that is like a sauce at room temperature, and like fudge when it is refrigerated or comes into contact with anything cold.”
The contest is the state’s proving ground for small, upstart food companies as well as established products looking for recognition or new markets. This year’s finalists represent all corners of the state and the best of Georgia’s diverse culinary heritage.
“The Flavor of Georgia contest allows the Department of Food Science and Technology (FST) to engage and promote food entrepreneurs in Georgia,” said FST Department Head and Professor Manpreet Singh. “Experts from our department work with these food entrepreneurs in understanding food ingredients, product profiles and other key aspects of developing new products. Through this CAES Signature Event, the department and its (UGA Cooperative) Extension faculty provide a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their innovations in food.”
Judges for the final round of the contest will include food brokers, grocery buyers and other food product experts. Entries are evaluated by category based on Georgia connection, commercial appeal, taste, innovation and market potential. 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.
Showcasing Georgia’s Best
Flavor of Georgia is more than a contest; it helps promote and showcase the variety and success of food entrepreneurs in the state. Since 2007, more than 1,700 products have been entered into the contest, and participating businesses have experienced increased sales, business contacts, publicity and overall interest in their products.
Past finalists report that participation in the contest boosts their annual sales by about 20% on average. Taking into account multiplier effects, it is estimated that increased sales from participating in Flavor of Georgia contribute to more than $5.6 million in annual revenue for the Georgia economy, according to a follow-up survey of previous finalists and winners from 2015-2019.
The Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest is organized by the UGA CAES Department of Food Science and Technology and supported by presenting sponsor AGCO, as well as the Georgia Department of Agriculture and Georgia Grown, the CAES Alumni Association, Farm Credit Associations of Georgia and Corteva Agriscience. This event is a part of CAES Signature Events. These special events showcase outstanding faculty contributions, foster community and industry collaboration, and spotlight the college's impact on a global scale.
More information about the contest is available at flavorofgeorgia.caes.uga.edu and by following the contest on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Product Contact:
David Goodson
229-759-4008
Contest Contact:
Joseph Harrison
706-542-0272
Media Contact:
Jordan Powers
706-542-4274