The Farmer Companies’ Guinness Macaroni and Cheese, crafted with premium Cabot Farmers’ Reserve Cheddar, has been named the 2023 sofi™ New Product Award Winner in the Entrees, Lunch and Dinner category.
The Specialty Food Association’s (SFA) sofi™ Awards—which have been bestowed annually since 1972—are a top honor in the $175 billion specialty food industry.
The 2023 sofi™ Awards recognized a New Product Winner and a Gold Product Winner in each of 53 specialty food and beverage product categories. Products were judged on taste—including flavor, appearance, texture, and aroma—ingredient quality, and innovation. Nearly 2,000 products from domestic and international makers were entered into the 2023 competition.
“We are honored that our Guinness Macaroni and Cheese, made with premium Cabot Farmers’ Reserve Cheddar, has won a sofi™ New Product Award”, says Adam Farmer, owner of the Farmer Companies. “As entrepreneurs, we want to know that we are creating the best possible product for our customers, and this Award is one of the ultimate stamps of approval honoring a collaboration between two iconic food brands”.
Guinness Macaroni and Cheese is found at supermarkets throughout greater New England, Costco Stores throughout the Northeast, and is also available online in a special 4-pack from Cabot Creamery Cooperative at Guinness 4-Pack, and Dakin Farm.com.
“On behalf of Diageo, we are humbled and honored by the recognition from The Specialty Food Association for Guinness Macaroni and Cheese”, says Declan Hassett, Licensing Manager, Diageo. “This sofi™ Award is a testament to the strategic and creative innovation of our partners, The Farmer Companies and Beanstalk, and is a true celebration of the boldness of the Guinness brand and its equities”.
Guinness Macaroni and Cheese will now compete against other category winners for the 2023 sofi™ New Product of the Year Award, which will be selected and announced at the Summer Fancy Food Show, June 25-27 in New York City. The Summer Fancy Food Show is the largest B2B-only specialty food industry event in North America.
“The sofi™ Awards recognize the best, most innovative products in the Specialty Food Industry and the creative, passionate people who make them”, said SFA President Bill Lynch. “Winning a sofi™ Award can open doors to new markets and expanded business opportunities for the winners, which is central to the SFA’s work on behalf of its member makers and manufacturers”.
SFA partners with Rutgers Food Innovation Center in Bridgeton, NJ for sofi™ Awards judging and logistics management. Entries were judged strictly on a blind basis—without packaging, pricing, or any brand identification. Products were judged on taste—including flavor, appearance, texture, and aroma—ingredient quality, and innovation.
