Food & Beverage Magazine - March Issue 2024 Brand Cover

Lightly Smoked launches

COVER IMAGE

Ducktrap by MOWI USA

PUBLISHER

MICHAEL POLITZ Michael@fb101.com

DIRECTOR & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LAUREN KANE Lauren.Kane@fbmagazine.com

SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT MANAGER

SHELBY POLITZ Shelby.Politz@fbmagazine.co

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMATIC SALES BARB ROGERS Programmatic@fbmagazine.com

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

LENORE O’MEARA Lenore.Omeara@fbmagazine.co

DAVID JACOBS David.Jacobs@fbmagazine.co

AUSTIN VALDEZ Austin.Valdez@fbmagazine.co

SUSAN GOLD Susan.Gold@fbmagazine.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

MICHAEL POLITZ

STEPHANIE BLITZ

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

LAUREN MCINDOO

LENORE O’MEARA

DAVID JACOBS

SUSAN GOLD

SHELBY POLITZ

ETHAN BALSAMO

AUSTIN VALDEZ

RYAN SLATTERY

We honor and remember the support of Chef Kerry Simon, Gary Cantor, Robin Leach, Chef Paul Prudhomme, & Gary Coles

A NEW SMOKED SEAFOOD PRODUCT GUARANTEED TO BE A MAINE ATTRACTION

Mowi Consumer Products (CP) of the Americas, in collaboration with the Ducktrap brand, launched its very first fresh skin pack product back in October 2021. The partnership across CP business units globally, as well as infrastructure sharing within the US operations, allowed Ducktrap to launch Lightly Smoked. This new product platform that invites consumers to enjoy a light, smoky salmon designed to be cooked the way of their choosing. Every bite is the perfect combination of freshness and delightful flavor. Ducktrap takes the highest quality Atlantic salmon filets skillfully seasoned and smoked with a unique blend of maple, oak, cherry and applewoods. Ready for the oven, pan or grill — you can’t go wrong.

The initial launch included fresh, pre-packed portions for retail shoppers. However, as the product has continued its expansion, Ducktrap Lightly Smoked is now available in bulk for foodservice brands. The idea initially came about from some new product development (NPD) insight. The Consumer Products team in Mowi Rosyth, UK, showed the Ducktrap team how they had

created a ready-to-cook product infused with natural smoke and flavor. The team at Ducktrap in Belfast, Maine decided to put their own spin on this innovative concept and, with the support of the Mowi USA CP division, invested in skin packing machines to successfully offer the product in pre-packed form. The Quality Assurance and Product Teams have created a recipe for the brining element that is both FDA Compliant and completely satisfying to the US consumer palate.

Ducktrap’s Lightly Smoked began as a test in the US Market in late 2021 and continued to grow at an impressive rate. In 2023, Mowi CP of Americas teamed up with Chef George Duran, an Armenian-American chef and entertainer, CP American spokesman, and host of TLC’s Ultimate Cake Off. Chef Duran has been a supporter of Lightly Smoked from the very beginning, having recognized the originality of the product and the opportunity that exists to appeal to both mainstream consumers and food service brands.

“LIGHTLY SMOKED WILL BE A NEW PRODUCT FOR CONSUMERS TO TEST THEIR ADVENTUROUS CULINARY SPIRIT,” SAID DURAN. “I BELIEVE THIS IS THE IDEAL SALMON EXPERIENCE FOR HOUSEHOLDS AS IT IS BIG ON FLAVOR AND TAKES LITTLE EFFORT TO COOK. ADDITIONALLY, THERE IS CURRENTLY NOTHING LIKE IT ON RESTAURANT MENUS.”

Lightly Smoked is a meal that cooks in just a breeze and there is no need to add too much seasonings or marinades, the smoky flavor and salt (brining) that are already blended into the salmon make for an extremely enjoyable eating experience. Today, this delicacy is sold at five macro retail chains nationwide as well as via e-commerce. The introduction of this new product is an important milestone for Ducktrap that’s proven to be the expertly infused, easy to make, go-to salmon for any occasion.

Since its humble beginnings over 40 years ago, Ducktrap has become the most recognized seafood brand in Maine. It all began when Des Fitzgerald found a spot of land on the Kendall Brook in Lincolnville, Maine. He decided to experiment with smoking some of his trout and eventually built a smokehouse the size of a small icehouse (4’ x 4’). Des buried an old wood stove in the ground of the smokehouse and started smoking trout. Selling his smoked trout to local markets, he achieved an amazing amount of success.

Over the next five years, Des developed a line of high quality and wholesome smoked seafood using traditional European smoking methods. Little did he know, this was the start of a brand that would one day become known as one of the best smoked seafood in the industry. What started with two workers and a dream has transformed into a reality of 100+ employees working in a full scale 125,000 sq. ft. smoked seafood campus. Today all four of the company’s brands (Ducktrap, Kendall Brook, Winter Harbor, and Spruce Point) are sold across the United States — setting the smoked seafood standard and exceeding the expectations of taste buds nationwide.

With all the excitement building around Lightly Smoked, it’s important to mention that it is just one of an entire line of impressive Ducktrap smoked seafood flavors. Traditional, Cracked Pepper & Garlic, Everything Seasoned, Gravlax Style and Pastrami Style are all available for purchase at a store near you.

You can find the complete list of Ducktrap products here.

“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.”

- James Beard

CELEBRATE WOMEN IN THE INDUSTRY

Inline Plastics Expands Safe-T-Chef® Line

ELEVATE FOODERVICE QUALITY WITH NOVIPAX

Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition EAT WELL, LIVE WELL

LAUNCHES

Lightly Smoked

Chef is

Chasing Flavor Carla Hall

the newest release from michael david winery now available nation wide

COVER IMAGE

Chef Carla Hall

Image Credit: Max

PUBLISHER

MICHAEL POLITZ Michael@fb101.com

DIRECTOR & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

LAUREN KANE Lauren.Kane@fbmagazine.com

SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT MANAGER

SHELBY POLITZ Shelby.Politz@fbmagazine.co

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMATIC SALES BARB ROGERS Programmatic@fbmagazine.com

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

LENORE O’MEARA Lenore.Omeara@fbmagazine.co

DAVID JACOBS David.Jacobs@fbmagazine.co

AUSTIN VALDEZ Austin.Valdez@fbmagazine.co

SUSAN GOLD Susan.Gold@fbmagazine.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

MICHAEL POLITZ

STEPHANIE BLITZ

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

LAUREN MCINDOO

LENORE O’MEARA

DAVID JACOBS

SUSAN GOLD

SHELBY POLITZ

ETHAN BALSAMO

AUSTIN VALDEZ

RYAN SLATTERY

We honor and remember the support of Chef Kerry Simon, Gary Cantor, Robin Leach, Chef Paul Prudhomme, & Gary Coles

Page 5 Celeb Cover Feature

Page 17 Industry News

Page 21 Spirits

Page 25 Hospitality News

Page 33 Spirit News

Page 35 Industry Leaders

Page 39 Spirit News

Page 41 Hospitality News

Carla Hall

Women Driving Growth & Creative Development

Changing the Way People Think About Whiskey

Shining a spotlight on the leading ladies in the industry

Cardinal du Four

Elevate Food Service Quality with Novipax

National Espresso Martini Day!

Notable Women Making Honorable Contributions

Page 45 Industry Leaders Precision Fermentation Provides Nutrition Without Compromise

Page 49 Spirits News BeatBox Green Apple

Page 53 Industry Leaders Inline Plastics: Anti-Fog Technology

Page 57 Industry Tips

Les Dames d’Escofer | Kersten Rettig

Page 59 Editor’s Top Pick: Minority-Owned Products

Page 85 Brand Cover Ducktrap

PAGE 85

PAGE 35

PAGE 21

PAGE 53

BEHIND EVERY FOOD IS A STORY WAITING TO BE FOUND

Carla Hall is a celebrated chef, Food Network personality, and awardwinning author who also happens to genuinely enjoy getting to know people. Instead of asking how a person was doing, Chef Hall made a conscious effort to come up with a more meaningful question. Upon meeting someone new, she would ask them to tell her about their favorite dish. Immediately, their eyes would light up as they shared a detailed account of their favorite food and the memories it brought back to life. It was this vested interest in hearing the stories of strangers that led to the creation of Chasing Flavor, a six-episode Max original television series that premiered on February 1, 2024. As the host and executive producer, Chef Hall travels across the world literally chasing down the origins and history of America’s most beloved foods. We’re talking ice cream, hot chicken, tacos, and more!

“I think my love of people is part of my superpower, alongside my fascination with culture and its impact on the culinary world,” said Chef Hall. “It’s always been important for me to get a true insight into something that is close and meaningful to a person who lives somewhere else versus my version of their culture and the way in which I’ve experienced it.”

Chef Hall’s curiosity and commitment to seeing the bigger picture comes through in each episode as the viewer is given a more complete perspective of classic dishes, revealing the history one layer at a time. Going beyond recipes, Chasing Flavor shares personal narratives that were always meant to be shared but got lost along the way. This is due in large part to the fact that when cultures move, they are often forced to adapt their particular way of doing things — or in this case, cooking things — based on what’s available. When it comes to recipes that have been passed on for generations, adaptations are inevitable but that doesn’t mean the original essence of the food is lost. The transformations happen organically and can still pay homage to its original version. It truly is a butterfly effect. The challenge lies in making a concerted effort not to forget or lose sight of the importance of taking the time to uncover that origin story.

“There may be a dish that’s part of your culture that goes back hundreds or thousands of years,” said Chef Hall. “You only know a piece of that history, yet you still hold onto that part of the story and your connection to it. I’m asking people to recognize that this

food is a living, breathing thing that can be changed but also honored.”

Chef Hall’s travels for Chasing Flavor took her on a journey with unexpected discoveries, emotional connections, and personal revelations. In one of the six episodes, she meets the Black family that served the first hot chicken in Nashville (Hall’s native hometown). André Prince Jeffries, who started running the Prince Hot Chicken business in 1980, gave an intimate look at how she and her family are holding onto their recipe and legacy. This is just one example of how the show represents so many voices while reinforcing the way in which dishes and recipes travel. Chasing Flavor is about ensuring originators get credit for their culinary creations and at the same time, helping people to see that food is fluid. There is an undeniable cultural connection to a recipe, but it also comes from countless other influences.

Al Pastor was another story that had a lasting impact on Chef Hall. She didn’t grow up eating authentic tacos, which allowed Chef Hall to remain open minded as the story unfolded. This led to a surprising connection between food and language. As soon as you hear the word “taco” people have an idea of what they’re going to get — some type of protein in a shell type carrier with

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Max

salsa. This was Chef Hall’s aha moment, as she clearly understood how language plays a pivotal part in how food travels.

“When it comes to soul food and the lack of our language through the African diaspora, a lot of the contributions from the enslaved people to American food gets lost and muddied,” said Chef Hall. “As a result, soul food has assimilated into the American culinary culture with an unclear picture of the roots from which it came.”

This makes it all the more important to uncover the missing links to these origin stories. The process for finding the right recipes and people to feature involved a lot of time and digging into the details. Speaking to a number of different individuals to ensure the details aligned was a pivotal part of the equation. The integrity of information received and portrayed in Chasing Flavor remained a top priority from day one. Filming began at the end of 2021 and finished in January of 2022. Due in part to Covid regulations and the research itself, it was a process that took a lot of patience, passion and persistence.

One dish Chef Hall knew she wanted to feature was chicken pot pie, which has played a significant role in her personal food journey. Following the recipe in a Julia Child’s cookbook, it was one of the first culinary creations she made that felt chef-like. When she appeared on Top Chef, her winning dish was none other than chicken pot pie. It was also a recipe included in Chef Hall’s first cookbook, Cooking with Love: Comfort Food that Hugs You. So it only makes sense that it would make an appearance in one of the episodes in Chef Hall’s debut docuseries — and it did not disappoint. From England to Rome to Jamaica, Chef Hall uncovered so many unexpected twists and turns in the chicken pot pie narrative.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Max

COOKING WITH CURIOSITY

Hall didn’t begin her career as a chef. In fact, she was modeling in Paris when her interest in the culinary arts was piqued. She found herself attending many Sunday brunches where Americans and expats were cooking delicious dishes and telling the stories that went along with them. It got Hall thinking about what her stories would be. So she began cooking for the people she was living with as an act of gratitude and later, started a lunch delivery service that lasted for five years. Before attending culinary school, Chef Hall was self-taught, relying on cookbook magazines near the checkout in grocery stores and her own determination to refine her food-making skills while getting a better understanding of her connection to certain recipes.

“I didn’t start cooking until I was in my mid-twenties and many of my food memories revolved around the dishes my mother made, which were not very sophisticated — like Hamburger Helper and Rice-ARoni,” said Chef Hall. “However, when I accepted soul food as the connection to my culture and began using the techniques I obtained from culinary school to recreate recipes from my childhood, I was able to feel

closer to both my grandmothers (who were amazing cooks), even though they had both passed.”

Chef Hall has always been fascinated with the way food plays such a pivotal role in people’s lives. Food is a multifaceted experience that involves taste, smell, sight, sound. It’s about family (biological or chosen) and the faces that surround you at the table. It’s present while on vacation or at a work conference. It’s a part of celebrations and grievances. Throughout the course of our lifetime, there are always instances where food has the ability to pull you in or take you back to a particular moment. Filming Chasing Flavor allowed Chef Hall to delve deeper into the diverse influences certain foods have had on American cuisine.

Chef Hall feels so blessed to have worked with the talented film crew and production team and to have met the amazing people who were willing to share their stories. Everyone involved knew Chasing Flavor was something incredibly special and after waiting a very long two years, people are finally getting to see it! As the viewers come with Chef Hall, uncovering the many facets behind each featured food, the hope is that they become curious about other dishes they enjoy or make themselves. On a

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Max

practical level, people who watch the show are likely to be inspired to find restaurants and food experiences within their community that offer the dishes featured in each episode. And taking things one step further by getting to know the people serving them and their stories.

“In creating Chasing Flavor, I envision people will have a greater desire to discover the history behind the foods they eat,” said Chef Hall. “To find ways they can honor the stories of their culture or traditions while realizing that food is a living, breathing thing that is constantly transforming.”

At the end of the day, it’s important to recognize that we are all a part of a narrative that is carried on from generation to generation through food. And like the title, Chasing Flavor, we act as a present participle, continuously impacting the way in which we experience the dishes that help to define us.

Sit back, relax and get a taste of the history behind some of your favorite recipes when you watch Chasing Flavor on Max. Click here for episodes.

You can also follow Chef Hall on her website, Food Network and @carlaphall on Instagram

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Max

Carla’s Cornbread

Directions

Cornbread

1 c yellow cornmeal

1 tbsp sugar

2 tsp baking powder

¼ tsp salt

2 large eggs

½ c buttermilk

½ c canned cream-style corn

¼ cup + 1 tbsp canola oil

Cinnamon Butter

4 oz (1 stick) salted butter, softened

½ tsp ground cinnamon

2 tsp powdered sugar

½ tsp almond or vanilla extract

Place four 3.5-inch cast-iron skillets* in the oven, then preheat it to 425ºF. Be very careful not to touch the hot skillets without oven mitts or potholders and be sure to have an adult help with taking the skillets in and out of the oven.

In a medium bowl, combine the cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, creamed corn, and ¼ cup oil.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Using oven mitts or potholders, take the hot skillets out of the oven. Divide the remaining 1 tablespoon oil between the skillets, quickly tilting the pans so that the oil coats the bottom and sides, and then pour the batter evenly into the skillets. The batter will begin sizzling right away.

Put the skillets in the oven and bake until golden brown and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, about ten to thirteen minutes. Remove the hot skillets from the oven and place on a cooling rack to cool slightly.

While the cornbread bakes, prepare the cinnamon butter. In a medium bowl, mix all the ingredients with a rubber spatula. Stir until everything is mixed well and is an even color (no streaks). Transfer the butter into an airtight container.

Serve the cornbread hot or warm with a dollop of cinnamon butter. This recipe makes four 3.5-inch round cornbread.

Ingredients

Lemon Blueberry Bread with Lemon Glaze

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

1/2 cup whole milk

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries

For the Lemon Glaze:

1/2 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

In a large mixing bowl, using a hand held mixer or stand-up mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the grated lemon zest and whole milk.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, being careful not to crush them.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

While the bread is baking, prepare the lemon glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl.

Once the bread is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.

Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled bread and serve.

Sweet Potato Beignet

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour

⅓ cup sugar

1 packet rapid rise dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons)

1½ teaspoons table salt

1¼ cups whole milk

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch & room temperature

½ cup sweet potato puree, room temperature

1 large egg, beaten, room temperature

Vegetable oil, for the bowl

Vegetable oil, for frying

Powdered sugar, for dusting

Directions

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast and salt. Set aside.

In a microwave safe bowl or 4-cup Pyrex cup combine the milk, butter and sweet potato puree for 30 - 45 seconds until warm (not hot!) and the butter is not completely melted. Stir until butter is melted.

Pour the milk/butter mixture into the flour mixture and stir to combine. Add the egg. Place the bowl on the mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. On low speed, add 1 cup of the remaining flour. After incorporated, gradually add the last cup of flour. Mix until combined. Change to the dough hook attachment and knead on low speed for 10 minutes or until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Transfer the dough to a very lightly oiled metal bowl. Turn the dough to coat in the oil, then cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a long rectangle about 18 x 12 inches on a well floured surface.

Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into 24 equal portions. Cover loosely with a dish cloth and allow to rise for another hour until doubled in size and puffed up.

Heat the vegetable in a large sauce pot to 350℉. Fry the beignets until they are golden brown and no longer doughy. Remove from the oil onto a paper towel. Dust generously with the powdered sugar.

MUSIC MATTERS TO YOUR CUSTOMERS

NEW STUDY CONFIRMS MUSIC CAN INCREASE REVENUE AND BUILD CUSTOMER LOYALTY

89% OF MILLENNIALS SAID THAT GOOD MUSIC MAKES A MORE MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE

86% WOULD RETURN TO AN ESTABLISHMENT IF THEY LIKED THE FEATURED LIVE MUSIC

86% WOULD RECOMMEND THE ESTABLISHMENT IF THEY ENJOY THE MUSIC

80% SAY THAT MOST OF THE RESTAURANTS AND BARS THEY FREQUENT HAVE MUSIC PLAYING

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO OBTAIN A BMI MUSIC LICENSE, PLEASE VISIT WWW.BMI.COM/EDE

NEARLY

70% OF MILLENNIALS SAID THAT HAVING NO MUSIC NEGATIVELY IMPACTS THEIR EXPERIENCE

IF GOOD MUSIC IS PLAYING

NEARLY 80% WILL STAY LONGER NEARLY 60% WILL BUY MORE FOOD OR DRINKS

70% MILLENNIALS

63% GEN X

56% GEN Z

BAR AND RESTAURANT OWNERS WEIGH IN

“

CHECK AVERAGE TENDS TO GO UP 5 TO 10% JUST BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE GETTING THAT 2ND OR 3RD DRINK. REVENUES HAVE JUMPED ALMOST 25% ON THE NIGHTS THAT WE HAVE LIVE MUSIC.

VIEW THE COMPLETE SURVEY, VISIT

“

WITH LIVE MUSIC (…) THERE WERE MORE LIQUOR SALES, AND THAT’S A 75% PROFIT MARGIN.

THE MORE UPBEAT, THE BETTER CHANCE FOR AN UPSELL, THE BETTER CHANCE THEY WANT TO STAY A LITTLE LONGER.

-CHRISTOPHER

VINEYARD OWNER AND TASTING ROOM OPERATOR LOS ANGELES, CA

”

https://www.bmi.com/pdfs/publications/2023/bmi-value-music--research-analysis.pdf

Driving Growth & Creative Development

Maya Dalla Valle

Winemaker, Dalla Valle Vineyards

Dalla Valle Vineyards is a family legacy that began in 1986 when Japaneseborn Naoko Dalla Valle moved from the West Indies to Napa Valley with her Italian husband Gustav Dalla Valle. Today, their daughter Maya is continuing her parent’s stewardship of the vineyard and dedication to creating exceptional terroir driven wines while also forging her own legacy as an industry leader. One of just a few second-generation female winemakers leading the Napa Valley into its next phase, Maya blends innovation with tradition, a refection of Dalla Valle Vineyard’s rich history and her bold vision for the future.

Nadia Caterina Munno

Personality, The Pasta Queen

Nadia Caterina Munno, a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author and Italian icon, is celebrated for her contagious energy, love for people, classic recipes, and spreading the beauty of Italy worldwide. Born and raised in Rome, Italy, she comes from a long family line of pasta makers dating back to the 1800s. To millions of followers across her social channels, she is The Pasta Queen, sharing her mouthwatering and unique recipes in the kitchen with a healthy side of authenticity, wicked humor, and dramatic storytelling. Nadia has appeared on shows like TODAY, The Drew Barrymore Show, Sherri, and Good Morning America, and Entrepreneur Magazine has dubbed her “a force to be reckoned with in the digital space.

Philana Bouvier

President, Demeine Estates

Philana Bouvier is the President of Demeine Estates where she provides leadership and vision in creating a best-in-class sales and marketing organization. The fast-paced and evolving nature of the wine industry is wellsuited for Philana’s dynamic personality and work ethic, rooted in a quest for collaboration. Philana possesses a ferce commitment in advocating for diversity in the wine and spirits industry and was named to Wine Enthusiast’s Future 40 list in 2023 for inspiring innovation and helping to bring the drinks business into the future.

Meghan Zobeck

Winemaker, Burgess

Meghan’s career started in a very different world than wine, negotiating NFL player contracts for the Denver Broncos. Working extremely hard for several years, Meghan created a space for herself in this niche world, challenging the preconceived notions of who someone working in football should be. A lover of wine, Zobeck pivoted and started making her own in her Denver basement. She became an obsessive student of the science and alchemy of fermentation, falling deeply in love with wine. Leaving professional football and shifting her energy to wine, Meghan worked harvests in four countries, and sought out great winemakers to mentor and teach her. As the winemaker for Burgess (under the Lawrence Wine Estates portfolio), Meghan is revolutionizing this historic winery and is known as a leader in promiscuous farming.

Brittany Sherwood

Winemaker, Heitz Cellar

Brittany was fascinated with biology and living organisms—an interest that led to her enrollment in the pre-med program at UC Davis before fnding her passion for wine and shifting her major to Viticulture and Enology; she would go on to gain winemaking experience in Europe and Oregon. Under the Lawrence family’s leadership and as only the third winemaker at the iconic Heitz Cellar, Brittany remains excited to carry the iconic Heitz Cellar’s traditions forward. Brittany’s approach to winemaking is one of minimal intervention that highlights each vineyard’s unique qualities, as well as vintage expression. Brittany works closely with vineyard management, from poring over shoot thinning schedules in summer to choosing smaller picks between blocks at harvest. She oversees and manages the production and laboratory team to ensure quality every step of the way, from crush and fermentation to the wines’ extensive aging and determining when they are ready for bottling.

Joann Spiegel

Vice President, Miracle and Sippin’ Santa

Joann Spiegel has over 25 years of experience in the bar, restaurant, and hospitality industry. She has been recognized by her industry peers, media, and beverage brands alike, and dedicates herself completely to the art of great service. Joann has her hand on every part of Miracle’s successful growth and development as a business. She and her team are the direct line of contact for technical and logistical support for over 200 Miracle and Sippin’ Santa locations worldwide. Prior to joining the Cocktail Kingdom team as Director of Operations for their Logistics Division and now the Vice President of the Miracle and Sippin Santa brands, Joann was a bar manager and bartender at the award-winning cocktail bar, Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog. Joann is also the creator of the Miracle cocktail menu. All cocktail creations must frst pass through her hands to be adapted into cocktails that universally work in so many markets around the world.

Changing the Way People Think About Whiskey

Von Payne Spirits LLC, a craft spirit company based in Clearwater, Florida, has crafted a truly unique product that has captured the eyes of connoisseurs and newcomers alike. The introduction of Von Payne Black, a Premium Blended Whiskey infused with Natural Black Currant, challenges the norms traditional whiskey market and invites everyone to “Discover the Pleasure of Payne.”

Former tech CEO and entrepreneur, Steve Allen, drew inspiration from four adult daughters and a lifetime of living on the fringe of alternative cultures. As a traditional bourbon drinker himself, he thought if “I could make a bourbon my daughters would drink, I could open up a new space in the market.” After years of experimentation and countless designs, Von Payne Black was brought to market in 2021.

The launch of Von Payne Black is not just another addition to the market; it’s a challenge to the status quo, in a sea of brown bottles, Von Payne Black stands out. With its distinctive packaging, including the iconic gargoyle pour spout, decanter style bottle, and its unparalleled taste profle, Von Payne Black is set to redefne the whiskey experience. It’s an invitation to bring people together for unforgettable experiences and conversations.

At 90 proof the whiskey’s unique profle, characterized by its infusion with all-natural black currant, delivers a slightly sweet and tart taste that’s approachable for frst-time whiskey drinkers yet deeply satisfying for seasoned afcionados.

Von Payne’s journey is not just about crafting exceptional whiskey; it’s about creating moments and fostering new connections. As Steve Allen puts it, “Von Payne is different on purpose. We do not have a category. We do not ft in. You won’t understand us until you spend time with us, share us, and taste how uniquely special Von Payne is.”

Award-winning both in taste and design, Von Payne Black has already begun to make its mark, capturing the imagination of whiskey lovers, bourbon enthusiasts, and those drawn to alternative subcultures. Its unique blend of innovation and tradition offers a taste experience unlike any other, inviting you to Discover the Pleasure of Payne!

90 Proof Von Payne Black Blended Whiskey infused with Natural Black Currant is available for purchase in Florida, Texas, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Kansas, Louisiana, and online.

For more information about Von Payne Black and the Von Payne brand, visit their website VonPayne.com and follow them across all social media.

VonPayne.com / Facebook.com/VonPayneWhiskey Instagram.com/VonPayneWhiskey

“Von Payne is different on purpose. We do not have a category. We do not fit in. You won’t understand us until you spend time with us, share us, and taste how uniquely special Von Payne is.”

SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON THE LEADING LADIES IN THE INDUSTRY

Highlighting their achievements, contributions, and inspiring journeys

THE SPOTLIGHT

JANE HERNANDEZ

OF BODEGA TAQUERIA & TEQUILA

Born and raised in the sun-kissed city of Los Angeles, California, Jane Hernandez has more than two decades of creative expertise under her apron. With a prolific track record in culinary ideation, product/program development, and concept prototyping, Hernandez holds the distinguished title of Vice President of Culinary at Bodega Taqueria & Tequila, the rapidly expanding national brand renowned for its fast-casual taco joint-by-day and speakeasy-style lounge-bynight concepts. Throughout her career, Hernandez has held executive positions with globally-recognized companies such as Subway and Starbucks, as well as notable hospitality brands like Kimpton Hotels, PKR Group and Trio & Spectra Restaurant Group. In her new role with the South Florida-based brand, Hernandez oversees everything from scratch development of new menu items to the development of the culinary teams at Bodega’s multiple locations across South Florida, Chicago, and coming soon to Nashville and Washington D.C. A proud alumna of the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, California, Hernandez spent her formative years in the kitchen of Farallon in the Bay Area.Having recently moved from Seattle to Miami, Hernandez is excited to create authentic and innovative culinary experiences at Bodega Taqueria y Tequila that reflect her impressive pedigree, California-inspired style, and her commitment to community and team camaraderie.

ADRIENNE GRENIER

OF BURLOCK COAST AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, FORT LAUDERDALE

Adrienne Grenier, culinary school graduate with a Bachelor’s in Food Science and Nutrition, began her career in 2005 at 3030 Ocean Restaurant, learning under esteemed chefs Dean Max and Paula DaSilva. She honed her skills in Southern California, cooking at Gordon Ramsey’s Michelin-starred restaurant before returning to South Florida in 2010 to work with DaSilva again at 1500 Degrees Restaurant, earning acclaim and winning Food Network’s Chopped. Returning to 3030 Ocean as Executive Chef, Grenier emphasized local produce and seafood before a stint in Brooklyn where she opened Pasta Louise amidst the pandemic. In 2023, she returned to South Florida as Chef de Cuisine of Burlock Coast, where she demonstrates her capacities as one of South Florida’s foremost culinary talents by incorporating her innate skill in combining flavors found in locally sourced ingredients into the modern coastal cuisine featured in the restaurant’s diverse menu.

PAULA DASILVA

OF THE RITZ-CARLTON, FORT LAUDERDALE

Director of Culinary and Beverage at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale Paula DaSilva is directly responsible for the property’s culinary outlets, beverage and wine program, in-room dining, Club Lounge, stewarding, purchasing and receiving and banquet operations. In addition, she continues to refine and strengthen operational and financial excellence with a substantial focus on elevating the customer experience. She brings more than two decades of expertise in professional cooking, kitchen management and an unyielding dedication for excellence to the property. Prior to this position, DaSilva served as Executive Chef, a role in which she executed innovative and speed-to-market offerings to position Burlock Coast amongst Fort Lauderdale’s top culinary destinations. DaSilva, who also worked at 3030 Ocean at the Harbor Beach Marriott in Fort Lauderdale under Chef Dean James Max, earned a slot on Season 5, in 2009, of FOX’s Hell’s Kitchen with Gordon Ramsey; she finished as the season’s runner-up and fan favorite, cementing her place as one of Florida’s celebrity chefs.

MARTA DE LA CRUZ MARRERO,

FOOD & BEVERAGE OPERATIONS MANAGER

THE RITZ-CARLTON, FORT LAUDERDALE

Marta De La Cruz Marrero stands as a dynamic and accomplished Food and Beverage Operations Manager at the prestigious The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale. With over 19 years of rich experience in luxury and lifestyle hotels, resorts, and restaurants, Marta’s journey to management roles showcases her dedication and mastery of operations across the dynamic hospitality industry. Marta’s exceptional skills and decision-making prowess have led to numerous accolades, including the coveted SABRE Restaurateur award by Marriott International in 2018. Selected from 900 nominees, she emerged as a global discipline award winner, securing a place in the top 10 and winning the Americas, competing against the world’s best restaurateurs within the Marriott company. Marta was also named as the 2021 Leader of the Fourth Quarter, a prestigious honor awarded by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. A foodie and cocktail aficionado at heart, Marta loves exploring different restaurants and bars, enjoying beach days, and taking her dog on car rides and park visits.

SAMANTHA KANTERMAN,

EXECUTIVE PASTRY CHEF

THE RITZ-CARLTON, FORT LAUDERDALE

Samantha Kanterman, the Executive Pastry Chef at The RitzCarlton, Fort Lauderdale, brings innate creativity and a passion for flavorful ingredients to the culinary world. Her professional journey, fueled by a Bachelor’s degree in Restaurant Management from the esteemed Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida, is a testament to her dedication and love for the art of pastry making. Her inspiration to dive into the fast-paced hospitality industry stems from a profound appreciation for the community and connections fostered over meals. Samantha is particularly moved by the ability of food, especially desserts, to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds, culminating in a shared, sweet ending. When she’s not orchestrating the dessert symphony at The Ritz Carlton, Fort Lauderdale, Samantha indulges in her hobbies, which include soaking up the sun at the beach, lifting weights, and immersing herself in music. Her favorite culinary creation? Oreo Cheesecake.

ROXANA GARCIA

Roxana Garcia, a culinary professional hailing from Venezuela, discovered her love for cooking through the fond memories of her mother’s kitchen. Inspired by her family’s culinary traditions, Roxana pursued a career in gastronomy, starting with roles in events and catering before making her mark in the culinary scene of the United States. Throughout her career, she has worked with renowned establishments like Bocas Group and Hilton, and even ventured into entrepreneurship with her own business, Kapas Food. Now serving as the Executive Chef at Fox’s Lounge in South Miami, a Lost Boy & Co. concept, Roxana continues to delight patrons with her creative flair and impeccable execution. Her approach to cuisine blends tradition with innovation, resulting in dishes that tell stories and bring people together.

MARTHA PALACIOS

JARANA

With a vibrant career spanning over two decades, Martha Palacios has seasoned her keen culinary skills across South America, stirring up flavors in Peru, Colombia, Argentina, and Chile. Her international exposure is vast, including a significant decade in Japan. Born in Lima, Peru, Martha’s culinary journey has been shaped by her education at San Ignacio de Loyola University and influenced by her grandmothers’ teachings from Cuzco and Lima. With significant roles at renowned establishments like Panchita and La Mar by Gastón Acurio, Martha’s leadership as Executive Chef at JARANA in Aventura highlights her commitment to authentic Peruvian cuisine and the philosophy of cooking with love. Beyond her culinary achievements, Martha’s dedication to her family and her joy in both the kitchen and personal life reflect her passion, earning her recognition such as the title of “Best Female Chef” by El Comercio in 2022.

OF FOX’S LOUNGE

SUMMER BAILEY

OF BOULON BRASSERIE

A graduate of Pastry Arts at the French Culinary Institute, Executive Pastry Chef, Summer Bailey, brings a resume adorned with all the great New York finesse that restaurateur Jeff Gigante was looking for when building the opening team for his Next Level Brands’ concept Boulon, a french Brasserie that opened January 2023 in the heart of Water Street. Bailey studied under Christina Tosi of Momofuku’s MilkBar, a dream-job at the time. She shares Tosi’s approach to dessert-making. “Desserts should make you feel like you are traveling back to a time in your childhood,” she says, “they should bring you a sense of time and place that ultimately conjures the sweetest memory.” During her years spent under celebrity chef Andrew Carmellini at The Dutch in New York she was recognized for those efforts, which quickly graduated her from pastry cook to pastry chef. The promotion came with recognition in- and out- of the kitchen, and followed her to Tampa where she got her Florida start as Executive Pastry Chef at the iconic Bern’s Steak House. Bailey has been recognized by media outlets like Vogue, Real Simple, First We Feast, Time Out NY, and Food & Wine Magazine for her delicious desserts, and says that even the hard-working have “pinchme moments.” Two of her career highlights include participating in Dominique Ansel’s Midnight in Paris during New York City Wine & Food Festival, and preparing her play on a Louisiana staple - a bananas foster souffle - for CNN’s “Just Desserts.” In her role as Executive Pastry Chef, Bailey oversees Boulon Bakery and all of the Next Level Brands’ dessert programs.

ASHLEY STANTON

OF ISABELLE’S GRILL ROOM & GARDEN, THE RITZ-CARLTON, COCONUT GROVE

A native of Buffalo, New York, Ashley Stanton has been part of The Ritz-Carlton family in Florida for a majority of her food and beverage career. A member of The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami culinary team since 2012, most recently in the role of Executive Sous Chef, Stanton now serves as Executive Chef for the entire property. Across all elements of culinary operations, she brings nearly 15 years of expertise, creativity and unyielding dedication to the resort. Upon joining the brand, she rose through the ranks across a variety of positions at the property, gaining extensive management experience and familiarizing herself with Coconut Grove and the market’s evolving tastes. Stanton has received a number of awards and recognition for her culinary management skills, has competed in television competitions such as Guy’s Grocery Games on Food Network, and keeps her playful side in the spotlight with creations such as her Smithworks Vodka first place award-winning Buffalo Chicken Wing Bloody Mary. Her intimate knowledge of the brand and clientele, coupled with her passionate energy for hospitality, led her to be named Executive Chef of the property in 2021.

LAURA BACKSMAN

OF FORBICI MODERN ITALIAN

HEATHER RIVAS

OF BOULON BRASSERIE

As an industry veteran with over 15 years of experience in high volume, casual, and fine dining restaurants, Heather Rivas brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her position as General Manager of Next Level Brands’ brand-new Boulon Brasserie in Tampa, Florida. An Ohio native who studied Health & Nutrition at the University of Cincinnati, Rivas has dedicated her career to learning and understanding people, food, and the relationship between the two. With an unquenchable appetite for knowledge of the hospitality industry, combined with her ambitious nature, Rivas honed her restaurant business acumen at some of the top destinations on the East Coast and in the Lowcountry, including New York City, Boston, Providence, and Savannah. Over the course of her career, she has had the opportunity to work at many prestigious restaurants, most notably as General Manager for James Beard Award-winning chef, Sean Brock at his acclaimed restaurant Husk Savannah and as opening General Manager at Tiger Mama, a Boston restaurant helmed by James Beard Award-nominated chef Tiffani Faison. Rivas also spent the early part of her career as the General Manager at Mill’s Tavern, the Forbes Four-Star restaurant in Providence, Rhode Island. Her connection to food, wine, and service, along with her experience opening restaurants, has given her the opportunity to work in different markets and she now brings her talents to Tampa. With a healthy dose of wanderlust and a keen interest in international communities, Rivas has traveled the world, which contributes to her overall appreciation for culture, food, and storytelling. She is devoted to her craft, particularly wine, and boasts two Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence for lists she has curated. She was also invited to the James Beard House and had the honor to pair wines for a Regional Spotlight dinner, in which she was acknowledged for her outstanding contribution. Additionally, Rivas holds a Court of Masters Sommeliers Level 1 Certification and plans to continue her advancement within the Court.

An industry veteran with over 15 years of experience in restaurant management, Laura Backsman brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to her General Manager position at Forbici Modern Italian in Tampa, Florida. Backsman’s venture into restaurant management came at just 19-years-old. While her peers were sleeping in, she was opening a bakery at 4:30 a.m. She says, “I was bitten by the hospitality bug, and never looked back.”Her commitment to creating memorable experiences for guests has been a skillset that she has honed throughout her career. For Backsman, joy is making others happy – turning ordinary moments into memories and making regulars feel like family. Backsman credits much of her industry know-how to Next Level Brands partner and hospitality powerhouse Jeff Gigante, who mentored her into her current position as General Manager. Backsman adheres to famed restaurateur Cameron Mitchell’s slogan, “Yes is the answer—What is the question?” and says prioritizing others’ feelings is key, whether it’s the guests or the teams. When Backsman is not in the restaurant, you can find her creating unique oil paintings. If you’ve ever admired Forbici’s amazing chalkboards, you’ve admired her work.

MICHELLE BERNSTEIN

Born and raised in Miami of Jewish and Latinx descent, Chef Michelle “Michy” Bernstein is a fixture in the culinary world, paving the way for bright Latin flavors and standout ingredients in her lively, vibrant cuisine. These days, Bernstein’s schedule is more jam-packed than ever, juggling multiple projects with her husband and business partner, David Martinez, while hosting several cooking shows on television. Together, they own and operate Michelle Bernstein Catering, developing incredible menus for catered events large and small. In 2019, Bernstein and Martinez teamed up to open the awardwinning Café La Trova on Calle Ocho in the heart of Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood. Additionally, they are partners in the internationally recognized Miami Beach cocktail bar, Sweet Liberty, as well as La Cañita located in Miami’s Bayside Marketplace which celebrates the food and flavors of the Caribbean with influences from Central and South America. More recent projects include Michy’s Chicken Shack and Lunchería, both located in the new Downtown Miami food hall, Julia & Henry’s. Coming soon, a modern take on the beloved, award-winning Sra. Martinez will open in Coral Gables (2023). Sra. Martinez promises to bring an experiential and exciting dining, cocktail and live music venue to the area. Bernstein also devotes time to causes she is passionate about, including Common Threads, a national program that she brought to the South Florida community to teach underprivileged children about cooking and eating healthy.

HANNAH THOMAS

OF BERN’S STEAK HOUSE

A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, Executive Pastry Chef Hannah Thomas’ tenure at iconic Bern’s Steak House and Harry Waugh Dessert Room, has covered some of the restaurant’s most challenging times, including the pandemic when the industry was rattled. Chad Johnson, the team’s Executive Chef, notes that “Hannah has an ability to lead by example, stay calm under pressure, and seek guidance to grow in her role at Bern’s.” Thomas credits her earlier learning from working with Chef Pat at Streamsong Resort where she learned to make desserts that were pieces of art. After several years with the resort, Hannah accepted the position at Bern’s, where there’s not only a dessert selection, there’s an entire dessert room, upstairs above the dining rooms. Visitors from around the world indulge in delectables offered at the Harry Waugh Dessert Room.

When there is a new universe of possibilities

THE CACAO POWDERS

Esteemed Cognac Cellar Master and Creator of Grey Goose Vodka

Cardinal du Four (CdF), 21 Rébellion, the awardwinning, additive-free Armagnac and the modern connoisseur’s answer to Cognac has announced that François Thibault, the renowned distiller/master blender of Cognac and creator of Grey Goose Vodka recipe, is joining the Cardinal du Four Armagnac company as co-founder and master blender.

Cdf founder Christophe Namer and Thibault, longtime friends, often reunite and, as always, bond over their shared French epicurean passions, delving into discussions on gastronomy, wines, and spirits.

Driven by the same passion and product excellence, they took on the challenge of creating together an exceptional new Armagnac blend. An opportunity for Thibault to use all his savoir-faire to tailor-make this spirit from the French region of Armagnac where the

terroirs and traditions have for centuries expressed a style that is as unique as it is rare.

With his exceptional reputation in the spirits industry, François Thibault brings his unparalleled expertise and passion to the world of Armagnac. As he embarks on this new chapter in his illustrious career, he continues to raise the bar for the spirits industry. Through his unfaltering dedication and profound understanding of his craft, he sets a new standard of excellence, ensuring that future generations will continue to appreciate the remarkable spirits he creates.

“The success of Cardinal du Four, 21 Rébellion is a testament to François’ meticulous craftsmanship, and we’re delighted that he has ofcially joined the CdF family,” comments -Namer. “As master blender, he will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of

our brand, while infusing his signature touch and innovative vision.  His unwavering commitment to quality and dedication to groundbreaking innovation will surely elevate our company to new heights.”

“In a relatively short time, Christophe has made his mark in the industry, introducing Cardinal du Four Armagnac to the North American luxury spirits market,” adds Thibault. “I’m pleased to join him in the evolution of the brand, and look forward to sharing my expertise with both connoisseurs and those who newly discovered the distinct charm and appeal of Armagnac.”

CdF stands out in the market, offering a truly extraordinary experience for discerning spirits connoisseurs. With Thibault’s expertise, each bottle of CdF Armagnac, considered the oldest brandy in France, will showcase the culmination of centuries-old tradition and modern artistry.

With an illustrious career spanning over four decades, François Thibault has not only established himself as a pioneer in the spirit industry but has also numerous accolades, including the distinguished title of Cognac Maître de Chai (Cellar Master), which acknowledges his unrivaled mastery in the art of spirits crafting.

Thibault recently received The Gold Medal of Honor for Labor, this honorary distinction rewards the length of service in the private sector, and the quality of their initiatives taken in the exercise of their profession. Furthermore, he received the medal of “Knight of Agricultural Merit” for his commitment and services rendered in the world of agriculture.

Born and raised in France, his deep appreciation for spirits was fostered through his family roots in the Cognac region. His passion for the art of creating exceptional spirits led him to pursue a formal education in viticulture and oenology, with a particular focus on distillation techniques and favor profles.

CdF is a harmonious blend of vintage Armagnacs from 21 to 43 years of age (30 years average age) and contains no additives such as sugar and caramel. Its natural brilliant amber color has foral aromas of jasmine and iris followed by pastry and spice notes like nutmeg and cardamom intertwined with dried fg, caramelized apples, and toasted wood vanilla favors. Long lingering and opulent dried fnish with notes of cacao beans and salted caramel. CdF combines complexity and power with elegance and fnesse.

“The success of Cardinal du Four, 21 Rébellion is a testament to François’ meticulous craftsmanship, and we’re delighted that he has offcially joined the CdF family,” comments Namer.

ELEVATE FOODSERVICE QUALITY WITH

In the dynamic world of foodservice, where every detail matters, Novipax stands as a beacon of innovation and reliability. Novipax’s mission is to combat unwanted moisture and liquid through their unique absorbent pad solutions. Let’s delve into Novipax – a brand defned by excellence, quality products, and a profound dedication to creating a safer world.

DEFINING NOVIPAX: A LEGACY OF INNOVATION

At the core of Novipax is a legacy built on excellence. Our brand is not just about products; it’s a commitment to elevating the foodservice industry as a whole. Novipax thrives on the belief that fresher ingredients and improved food quality can enhance every dining experience.

said Keith Schroeder, CEO of Novipax. “As we look to expand our foodservice offering, we bring tenured experience, along with our key values embedded in reducing food waste and striving to implement innovative products where they may not be used today.”

From front-of-house to back-of-house, Novipax helps restaurants serve the tastiest food in the safest conditions. No matter what’s on the menu, foodservice customers want the same thing: the freshest food prepared in the cleanest environment. Novipax’s solutions enhance food freshness, promote kitchen hygiene, and support employee and restaurant patron safety for restaurants of every size and style, from fast food chains to fine dining establishments.

said Keith Schroeder, CEO of Novipax.

FOODSERVICE PORTFOLIO: MORE THAN JUST SUPPLIES

PREP PADS: YOUR KITCHEN SIDEKICK

Prep Pads are the moisture management solution you need to maintain peak freshness in every dish, every time. Instantly revolutionize backof-house processes by capturing unwanted moisture in prep trays to maintain optimal texture and freshness.

Furthermore, by incorporating the pads into the prep process you will improve operational efciencies and sanitation by eliminating drip and splatter contamination and keeping work surfaces moisture-free. Culinary professionals can now elevate their creations, confdent in the freshness and improved quality delivered by Novipax’s Prep Pads.

SPILLGUARD: NAVIGATING THE KITCHEN CHAOS

In a bustling kitchen, spills are inevitable. Spillguard isn’t merely a clean-up solution; it’s a testament to Novipax’s dedication to creating safer work environments. Engineered with advanced technology, Spillguard swiftly tackles spills, preventing slips and mishaps, fostering a kitchen atmosphere where safety reigns supreme. Available in bright orange, SpillGuard marks spill areas as hazardous and instantly starts the clean-up process.

VERSAMAT: GUARDIANS OF CLEANLINESS

The kitchen floor is the stage where culinary masterpieces unfold. VersaMat goes beyond conventional floor protection; they’re guardians of cleanliness and safety. With a focus on easy maintenance and durability, this product proactively absorbs unwanted moisture that can collect under industrial drying racks and walk-in coolers. Prevent a need for clean-up and slipping risks by absorbing moisture before it even becomes a problem.

With Prep Pads and other Novipax innovations like SpillGuard and VersaMat, Novipax offers cost-effective absorbent products to help you solve any unwanted moisture issues that you are facing in your current operations.

A safer kitchen and less unwanted moisture means chefs can focus on what they do best – crafting culinary delights!

True to our mission, Novipax has introduced an innovation we call “Prep Pads”. Prep Pads are the moisture management solution you need to maintain peak freshness in every dish, every time.

F&B HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHT

NATIONAL ESPRESSO MARTINI DAY!

Featured Cocktail Recipe: www.el-cristiano.com and follow @elcristianotequila

Espresso Martini XR

• 2 oz El Cristiano XR Extra Reposado

• 1 oz Espresso (freshly brewed from espresso machine or cold brew concentrate)

• ½ oz Simple Syrup

• ½ oz Coffee Liqueur (Kahlua)

• Shake Vigorously with ice

• Served in a Borough Martini Glass

• Coffee Bean garnish

In Celebration of the special holiday, please see the El Cristiano XR Espresso Martini featured. While espresso martinis became popular with vodka, the shift to tequila in the last year has been ever present. El Cristiano, proud to call themselves the world’s most delicious tequila, is additivefree, sustainable and therefore without hangover, was one of the first brands to promote their varieties with espresso martini, featuring recipes with both their Extra Reposado (XR) and their Extra Anejo (Black Label). In just under two years since launch, they have also already won over 32 awards and accolades, including the Pro%f 2023 Century Award.

Served at venues such as Wynn Hotels, Soho House, Waldorf Astoria, Margot, Juliet, Wally’s, Javier’s, The Hideaway and Cold Shoulder, their Espresso Martini XR has been a featured drink at Nobu Malibu as well, to much demand. El Cristiano can be picked up at Total Wines & More nationwide as well as liquor and convenience stores across California, Colorado, Nevada, Florida, Georgia, and New York, plus many more states that are added monthly. They are available via online liquor delivery apps in almost every state as well. The XR bottle retails for $110 to note, and their classic reposado at $65, silver at $45 and Extra Anejo for $135.

Pictured is the Espresso Martini featuring El Cristiano XR at Nobu Malibu

Pictured is the XR Extra Reposado El Cristiano Bottle

FLORIDA

MERCEDES CHAVEZ

Front of House Manager at Uchi Miami

Mercedes Chavez is the front of house manager at Uchi Miami by Hai Hospitality in Miami, Florida. Miami-born and -raised, Chavez grew up in a family with a passion for the hospitality industry. She attended Florida International University in 2010 as a pre-med student, but it was during her college years that she realized she couldn’t divert away from her love of restaurants. While still a student, Chavez began her humble adventure into the restaurant industry where she first landed a position as a cocktail server for Renaissance Hotels. She later made her way to Miami’s Pubbelly Sushi, where she began as a server before earning a swift promotion to the floor manager. Chavez later explored careers at Nikki Beach Miami, ZUMA Restaurants and Rhubarb Hospitality Collections, as well as worked as managers at El Bajareque Restaurant and The Drexel. In 2023, Chavez joined Uchi Miami as the trusted front of house manager overseeing the entire front of house operations. Though newer to the team, she’s in for the long haul. When asked what her future goals are, she said, “In three years, to become a general manager at Hai Hospitality. In five years, to be a part of Hai’s HR East Coast expansion. In ten years, to continue to invest in my career and help as many people as possible to evolve.”

FLORIDA FLORIDA

KAYTLIN DANGARAN

Executive

Chef at

Bistro at Sarasota Art Museum

Kaytlin Dangaran is the executive chef at Bistro at the Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College and is the driving force behind the restaurant’s seasonal farm-to-table dining approach. She elevates the museum experience with art-inspired menus and draws inspiration from her diverse culinary experience and background. The French Culinary Institute-trained chef has multi-coast experience from renowned restaurants in New York, San Francisco, Miami and, now, Sarasota. During her years in between coasts, the Tampa native explored seasonal cooking, gaining expertise in a restrained style of creating dishes dictated solely by the ingredients’ seasonal availability. She’s participated in many national culinary events and cooked at the James Beard House for Taste America, representing Constellation Culinary Group. When she’s not in the kitchen, this dynamic chef is also a mother of two.

ELGIN WOODMAN

Executive Chef at Constellation Culinary Group

Elgin Woodman is the executive chef at Constellation Culinary Group in Miami, Florida. Growing up in Lima, Peru, she learned recipes, techniques and flavor profiles she still uses when creating large-scale event menus in South Florida. Of course, the years of study at both Florida International University and Johnson and Wales University increased her passion for culinary as well as molded her into the catering expert she is now. Woodman has been in the catering business for over 25 years, cooking for the most prominent and exclusive clientele of Miami, including celebrities and large corporations, in addition to collaborating with renowned chefs from around the world. She joined the Constellation team in 2021 as the Executive Chef, responsible for creating, developing and executing trend-setting menus for the catering division. One of her most impressive skills is her ability to mass produce a menu item and maintain a high level of quality from the first plate to the last. After years in the catering industry, Chef knows who makes the decisions at an event. When asked for advice for younger chefs, she said, “As a catering chef, sometimes you have to put your own taste and ideas aside to fulfill the client’s vision. At the end of the event, it’s satisfying to know that you made someone’s event very special.”

SHARLA EVANS

Director of Catering at Adrienne Arsht Center and SGWS Wynwood

Sharla Evans is the director of catering for Constellation Culinary Group at the Adrienne Arsht Center and SGWS Wynwood. Born in Saint Lucia, Sharla and her family moved to New York City where she grew up as the youngest of four children, including a twin brother. She graduated from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY in 2009 and finally settled in Miami with her high school sweetheart. Currently serving as the general manager and catering director at Constellation Culinary Group’s SGWS Wynwood, nestled at the vibrant heart of Miami’s arts and culture district, Sharla Evans oversees all facets of venue operations and catering services. In her role, she spearheads multiple chef-centric events, crafting programming, popup experiences and hospitality-driven engagements for SOBEWFF (South Beach Wine & Food Festival). At the Adrienne Arsht Center, Sharla orchestrates memorable events ranging from captivating pre- and post-show dinners to elegant weddings. Outside of her professional endeavors, Sharla is a devoted mother of two!

LILLIAN ROJAS

Director of Catering at Constellation Culinary Group

Lillian Rojas is the regional sales director at Constellation Culinary Group in Miami, Florida. A graduate of Florida International University, Rojas has over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, specializing in catering and events management. She joined Constellation in 2016 as the director of catering after her demonstrated history in the industry, including having worked as director of catering at Shelborne Wyndham Grand, director of catering and special events at Morimoto Restaurant, director of catering and conference services at Morgans Hotel Group, and more. In her role at Constellation, Rojas spearheads weddings, special events and celebrity soirees at the Perez Art Museum Miami and other Constellation venues including the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, the Adrienne Arsht Center, SGWS Wynwood and more. Rojas attributes her success to the great relationships Constellation builds with local farms to ensure every event is catered with fresh and seasonal ingredients while staying on top of buzzworthy trends.

NICOLE RESNICK

General Manager at Adrienne Arsht Center

Nicole Resnick is the general manager for Constellation Culinary Group at the Adrienne Arsht Center. Resnick holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Affairs from Florida International University and an associate degree in Sociology and Anthropology from Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka, Japan—where she achieved near-fluency in writing and speaking Japanese. A self-described “jack of all trades,” Resnick has not only worked her way through the ranks with Constellation, but she has also held positions with other firms in human resources, bookkeeping and accounting — even as a personal assistant in the construction industry. In her current role, Resnick brings high energy and palpable passion to her position as general manager of Teatro and the Adrienne Arsht Center’s on-site bar and food/ catering programs.

TONI ROBERTS

Pastry Chef - The Ritz-Carlton Chicago

Chef Toni is one of Chicago’s most sought-after pastry chefs wielding the kitchen torch and other pastry tools at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, the luxury hotel nestled in Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. Past experience includes interning with acclaimed pastry chef Emily Luchetti at Farallon in San Francisco during her time at Culinary Institute of America. In 2009, Roberts had the privilege of assisting Marcus Samuelsson at the White House during his guest chef preparation of the Obama Administration’s first State Dinner. Toni‘s accolades include the Jean Banchet Award for Culinary Excellence for “Rising Star Pastry Chef” and winner of Pastryscoop.com’s “Best Dessert Menu ‘’ award. Time Out Chicago also selected her dessert as one of the “100 Best We Ate This Year.” Her passion for chocolate, superior skills and precision, and a good whisk is what brought her to be named executive pastry chef at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago. Her decadent creations have become tasteful touches throughout the property: from Italian-inspired desserts at Torali to breakfast pastries and confections at The Café to showpieces adorning the hotel’s lobby during the holiday season. Roberts inaugurated the hotel’s in-house wedding cake program in 2023 creating over 50 glamorous cakes to date. In Chicago, she continues to participate as guest chocolatier for the AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC)’s annual fundraising event World of Chocolate.

Precision Fermentation Provides Nutrition Without Compromise

ADVANCES IN FERMENTATION TECHNOLOGY OFFER NEW APPROACHES TO IMPROVE FLAVOR AND TEXTURE, WHILE IMPROVING OVERALL NUTRITION.

By Ryan Slattery

There is a science to food. A challenging, yet delicate, balance of ingredients and methods to developing foods that are not only delicious and nutritious but also crave-worthy, that will have consumers coming back for more. That’s where Sarah Corwin, Ph.D, LDN, a Senior Principal Food Scientist at Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition (AHN), and her team come in. They specialize in fnding solutions to food products that advance favor and texture in a way that results in food that’s more nutritious for people.

What Corwin does–as an expert in carbohydrate chemistry, vegan mimetics, and nutrition–is to research and develop products by testing and monitoring how ingredients interact with each other to improve the quality of foods.

Just one of the ways Corwin and her team at AHN work to create ingredients to improve a variety of foods is through a process called precision fermentation. “What we’re looking to accomplish with precision fermentation is to develop ingredients that are produced in a sustainable way that can contribute benefcially to taste, texture and nutrition,” Corwin says. “It’s a very targeted way to produce ingredients. It can be more cost effective and oftentimes the ingredients are more functional as well.”

Sarah Corwin, Ph.D, LDN, a Senior Principal Food Scientist at Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition (AHN)

Similar to how bread and beer are made using fermentation where the yeast feeds on sugars and starches to produce byproducts such as carbon dioxide (which is what makes a slice of bread fuffy and spongy), food innovators at AHN are studying how microorganisms interact with certain agents to produce benefcial qualities in other products.

In fact, AHN’s oldest and most widely used ingredient, monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a result of precision fermentation. MSG is the purest form of umami and delivers delicious savory favor to a variety of foods. Since umami’s discovery and the development of MSG by Ajinomoto over 110 years ago, MSG has been used safely as a food ingredient and seasoning around the world. AHN manufactures its MSG through advanced precision fermentation technology, using quality ingredients such as locally grown Iowa corn. During this process, glucose is fermented and the result is MSG and water. MSG is purifed through a fltering process. Finally, the water is evaporated through a drying process leaving only a pure white powder of MSG. MSG has two-thirds less sodium than table salt and can enhance the favor of food products while decreasing the need for salt. “That’s our goal,” says Corwin, “to produce ingredients that improve nutrition.”

OFTEN PLANT-BASED PRODUCTS, AS WELL AS SNACKS, ARE VERY HIGH IN SODIUM. SO, SCIENTISTS ARE LOOKING AT HOW TO IMPROVE NUTRITIONAL VALUE WHILE STILL MAINTAINING THE SAME FLAVORS

Fermentation technologies can be used to produce new ingredients that enable food scientists and product developers to create delicious foods that don’t compromise on taste, texture or nutrition. And food scientists are using these tools to improve everything from snacks to plant-based foods.

“IT DOESN’T TASTE LIKE IT’S MISSING ANYTHING BUT IT’S MORE NUTRITIOUS,” CORWIN SAYS. “THAT’S OUR GOAL.”

While plant-based meat was a highly anticipated trend in recent years, recent sales fgures show that consumers are not focking to plant-based meat alternatives the way the industry predicted they would. A recent study conducted by AHN found that taste and texture are tied for the top issue consumers have with plant-based products. The respondents’ second biggest concern was nutrition.

“The goal [of the study] was to understand what it was that these individuals wanted,” Corwin explains. “We found taste and texture were the top issues for the Gen Z and Millennial consumers that were eating plant-based, imitation meat. And texture actually scored higher as a priority for consumers than taste.”

By studying how enzymes form bonds between proteins, Corwin says scientists can create a variety of textures to make plant-based alternatives more closely resemble various meats. Plant-based products often use TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein) as a bulking and textural agent, and methylcellulose as a binder. But scientists at AHN have found new protein binding systems can replace methylcellulose and create realistic texture profles for eggs, fsh and seafood, as well as red meats like lamb, all while boosting protein content. Despite assumptions from marketers and retailers that consumers want “clean label” food products, the AHN study also overwhelmingly showed that most consumers don’t mind a longer ingredient statement if it improves the

product. Eighty-seven percent of respondents said they would purchase a plant-based imitation meat with a longer ingredient list if it improved the product.

Often plant-based products, as well as snacks, are very high in sodium. So, scientists are looking at how to improve nutritional value while still maintaining the same favors. A lot of times that’s accomplished by reducing sodium and amping up the umami favor and kokumi components.

“Umami is an essential component to developing food that’s craveable and delicious, especially in plant-based meat,” Corwin says. Umami elevates, enriches and improves meatiness, while kokumi is a taste sensation that brings depth and richness, and improves mouth feel. Paired together well, the food will taste better.

Using cheese popcorn as an example, Corwin says cheese powders often contribute a large quantity of the sodium to the product, but are necessary for favor. But scientists at AHN are able to use solutions produced using precision fermentation techniques to maintain favor and texture, while creating a more nutritious product by adding a combination of umami and kokumi solutions to help reduce the overall amount of cheese powder needed.

“It doesn’t taste like it’s missing anything but it’s more nutritious,” Corwin says. “That’s our goal.”

BEATBOX GREEN APPLE IS THE PERFECT SPLASH OF FLAVOR FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY!

Green Apple offers the crisp, refreshing taste of green apples infused into every sip of the party drink ,in the form of a nostalgic party punch. BeatBox Green Apple brings a burst of vibrant flavor that perfectly complements the festive atmosphere of St. Patty’s Day, on March 17th. It is also reduced in sugar, gluten-free, recyclable, and resealable, which allow you to take the party with you.

Here’s why BeatBox Green Apple is the ultimate choice for any celebration: Below are the pillars they outline for the new Green Apple Party Punch flavor!

BOLD FLAVOR: Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the bold and irresistible taste of fresh green apples.

CONVENIENCE: hours preparing complicated cocktails. Simply chill, pour, and enjoy! It’s the hassle-free solution to elevating your Saint Patrick’s Day festivities.

PARTY STARTER: Be the life of the party and impress your guests with this exciting and innovative beverage choice. BeatBox Green Apple sets the stage for a memorable celebration filled with laughter, good times, and great drinks.

We invite your readers to elevate their party experience and toast to the luck of the Irish with this deliciously bold flavor. With BeatBox Green Apple, it is not just buying a drink – but the perfect flavor combination to celebrate the Irish holiday tradition.

Here’s the scoop on where to snag BeatBox Green Apple: BeatBox is carried at convenient stores, liquor stores and retail stores nationwide, such as BevMo, Total Wine & More, 7 Eleven, The Liquor Bros and Walmart, plus delivery apps such as Drizly, DoorDash, Uber Eats. Green Apple is available as 500 ml /16.89 fl oz single tetras for $3.99.

Ecomm Website: https://beatboxbeverages.com/ Product: https://beatboxbeverages.com/products/green-apple

Expands Safe-T-Chef® Line With Anti-Fog Technology

The launch of Safe-T-Chef® brought this technology to hot food applications, making it the frst tamper evident, tamper resistant polypropylene product line available in the market

By Ryan Slattery

For more than a half century, Inline Plastics has been the leading manufacturer of high quality, crystal clear, food packages for the restaurant industry, so it’s not surprising that the company is at the forefront of innovation once again.

Inline transformed the marketplace with the launch of their patented Safe-T-Fresh® tamper protection technology that gives consumers confidence the food contents within the package are secure and have not been tampered with. The launch of Safe-T-Chef® brought this technology to hot food applications, making it the first tamper evident, tamper resistant polypropylene product line available in the market. Not only has the line expanded in recent months, but all the vented options now include anti-fog.

“As third-party food delivery continues to grow, packaging is becoming an important component to retail and restaurant offerings,” explains Carrie Cline, Inline’s Senior Brand Manager. “Meals need to be able to travel safely. That requires keeping the contents protected and fresh while being passed from kitchen,

to shelf, to driver, to consumer. The more touchpoints, the greater the risk. Inline Plastics’ patented tamper protection technology minimizes that risk. This gives the consumer confidence that once sealed in the kitchen, the food inside the package has not been tampered with as it changes multiple hands during transportation. They have the visible assurance that the food inside is safe and secure.”

Safe-T-Chef® adds a level of security not seen in the industry and their vented options allow steam to dissipate in applications where food is packed hot or kept warm with heat lamps and hot displays. This keeps the food from getting soggy while in the packaging. All the vented options have the anti-fog feature to ensure the highest clarity possible, allowing the consumers to see the contents.

“Venting alone is not enough to release built-up heat inside a package,” says Cline. “This excess heat creates water vapor that condenses and forms droplets, fogging the inside of the package, obscuring the view of the food. Now, Inline has developed an anti-fog feature on the vented Safe-T-Chef® packages. The benefits of the anti-fog include improved visibility, appeal of the food and reduces food waste.”

Inline has had decades of experience with venting in their Safe-T-Fresh® product line made of PET. Venting allows air to flow for various reasons to keep the contents at peak freshness, this is especially important for dishes that contain vegetables that have high outgassing properties.

Inline has had decades of experience with venting in their Safe-T-Fresh® product line made of PET. Venting allows air to fow for various reasons to keep the contents at peak freshness, this is especially important for dishes that contain vegetables that have high outgassing properties.

As innovators in their market, Inline Plastics is staying ahead of the curve with their sustainability initiatives. In 2020, Inline launched their ‘reborn’ initiative becoming the first and only thermoformer of rigid plastic packaging to offer 10% post-consumer in all their PET product offerings. While many sustainability claims in the market are often unsubstantiated with companies making misleading “greenwashing” claims or using language like “sustainable,” “recyclable,” and “compostable” that confuse consumers, Inline has substantiated its claim through an independent third-party.

SCS Global Services, a worldwide leader in sustainability standards, has conducted an independent audit certifying that Inline products are ‘Made with 10% post-consumer recycled PET’.

“Integrity and transparency are an important part of the way Inline Plastics goes about business,” says Cline. “There are very few companies in the industry who share the data necessary to acquire a third-party independent certification.”

For more information on their vast line of award-winning products, visit InlinePlastics.com.

By Kersten Rettig

In the fast-paced and dynamic world of the culinary arts, women have been carving out their space, making significant strides, and breaking barriers. At the forefront of empowering and championing women in this industry is Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI).

A Glimpse into Les Dames d’Escoffier International

Founded in 1976 by a group of remarkable women leaders in the culinary world, LDEI has evolved into a global organization committed to advancing the achievements of women in the food, beverage, and hospitality sectors. LDEI is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that strives to foster excellence, support education, and promote philanthropy among women in the culinary profession and support communities through grants, scholarships, and mentorship initiatives.

Empowering Through Education:

One of the most impactful contributions of LDEI is its commitment to education and mentoring. Through programs such as The Legacy Awards and Scholarships for Impactful Change, LDEI actively invests in women who are pursuing education as well as professional women who want to level up in their careers. LDEI provides financial support and guidance, ensuring talented women have the resources they need to excel in their chosen fields.

These educational initiatives not only empower individuals but also contribute to raising the overall standard of excellence in the culinary industry. Through investments in women’s education, we cultivate a community of proficient and knowledgeable professionals who bring a varied range of perspectives and talents to the table.

Building Networks and Breaking Barriers:

LDEI serves as a dynamic network where women in the culinary industry connect, collaborate, and lift each other up. The organization understands the importance of breaking down barriers and creating a supportive community where women can share experiences, insights, and opportunities. This is particularly crucial, considering that each woman faces her unique challenges in the culinary industry, which persist as it remains predominantly male-dominated.

Through events, conferences, and gatherings, LDEI provides a platform for networking and mentorship, facilitating the exchange of ideas and fostering relationships that extend beyond professional boundaries. This network not only opens doors for career advancement but also creates a sense of solidarity and belonging.

Cultivating Philanthropy for a Greater Cause:

Les Dames recognizes the social responsibility that comes with success. The organization actively engages in philanthropic endeavors and, since its founding, has raised and donated more than $10 million to support initiatives including hunger relief,

education, food justice, and sustainability. By participating in these projects, women in the culinary industry affiliated with LDEI have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on their communities. This commitment to philanthropy enriches the lives of those in need and reinforces the values of compassion and social responsibility within the culinary community. Members are not just leaders in their field; they are also agents of positive change, using their skills and influence to address critical issues and contribute to a better, more sustainable world.

A Legacy of Excellence:

Established in 1976, Les Dames has a storied history of honoring the accomplishments of women in gastronomy. The organization’s legacy stands as an inspiration for present and upcoming generations, highlighting the remarkable influence that women can wield in the culinary realm. LDEI’s dedication to excellence has significantly influenced the industry landscape, creating opportunities for women to excel in diverse culinary disciplines. As the organization flourishes, so does women’s collective strength and influence in the culinary world.

3RD VICE PRESIDENT KERSTEN RETTIG

Kersten Rettig is a food writer and marketing and public relations professional with more than 30 years of experience working for food and hospitality companies including Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. Currently, Kersten owns Prêt Marketing and PR and writes about food and travel for two Dallas-based newspapers. She is the only food writer in North Texas who has owned, worked in, and marketed restaurants.

Kersten became a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier in 2009 while working as global communications director for Rosewood. Her mentor was Rosewood founder and Grande Dame Caroline Rose Hunt who generously shared her wit and wisdom with Kersten and eventually sponsored her for membership. Kersten’s a member of the Dallas Chapter of LDEI and served as scholarship recipient liaison, philanthropy chair, and president in 2019-2020. She is serving her second term as VP for marketing, pr and social media for Les Dames d’Escoffier International.

Throughout her career, Kersten has created marketing and PR programs for brands ranging from Taco Bell to ultraluxury hospitality and retail, including serving as Chief Marketing Officer for Highland Park Village and M Crowd Restaurant Group in Dallas. She and her husband owned and operated three units of the fast-casual restaurant PDQ. Her passion is food, travel and telling stories about people and places.

Kersten and her husband live in Dallas. She has three children and a Cavachon named Henrietta. She serves as a trustee for the VNA Texas Foundation, a nonprofit provider of community-based healthcare including hospice care and Meals on Wheels delivery for whom she hosts a podcast series, “Aging Well with VNA.” She serves on the board of Chef to the Shelters, a non-profit that provides healthy meals to detox shelters and sober living homes in North Texas. IG@KerstenEats

100 Mares

Made with organic fresh fruit, this agave spirit is all you need to taste the authentic flavors of Mexico. Stated as the new generation of the Tequila aisle, this top-selling agave spirit introduces a refreshing, high-quality drink ready to enjoy on the rocks. 100 Mares Mango flavor profile includes the sweetness and spice of the mango and the punch of the 100% blue Weber found in the valleys of Tequila. Its super smooth texture comes from macerating the mangos in the spirit until they achieve the perfect blend. If you are looking for a delicious ready-to-serve drink, you definitely have to try this Mexican delicatessen.

Anteel Tequila

Anteel Tequila is a premium sipping tequila brand that has won over 100 awards and accolades since 2019. Nayana Ferguson, cofounder, is the first black woman to have ownership of and lead a tequila brand. Nayana is an 18-year pancreatic cancer survivor and an 11-year breast cancer survivor. She is pre-diabetic and since tequila is naturally low in sugar, she became an enthusiast years ago before creating Anteel Tequila. Anteel is short for Antillean Crested Hummingbird and each bottle is adorned by a hummingbird logo in colors that represent the bright colors found on these beautiful birds. Anteel Tequila has five expressions in its portfolio and features the world’s only Coconut Lime Blanco and Tarocco Blood Orange Blanco. Both are infused with all-natural flavors and do not contain any sugars or sweeteners. The latest release is Anteel Anejo which is aged 15-17 months in charred, ex Tennessee whiskey barrels.

Amazontella

It’s easy to bring the benefits of the Amazon rainforest directly to your table with the new, organic superfruits spreads from Amazontella. Choose from Cupuacu Fruit Spread, Acai Fruit Spread and Cupuacu Pepper Fruit Spread, all 100% made from fruit. Delight your senses and reap the benefits of antioxidant-rich superfruits only found in the Amazon… easily spread on toast, cheese, fruit, or eaten directly from the jar.

Astraea

Astraea was forged where the evergreens give way to the rolling meadows, where the jagged mountain ranges drop into the sea, a love story from Master Distiller, Danielle Leavell. Crafted using the finest organic botanicals nature has to offer, Astraea’s award-winning gins transport you to the breathtaking landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Each spectacular sip delivers distinguished, clean floral and herbaceous notes.

BIG NOSE KATE™

The extraordinary life of Maria Izabella Magdolna Horony, an affluent Hungarian immigrant turned orphan, then adventurer, is a tale for the ages. Drawn to the American west through chance, rebellion, opportunity, and a deep curiosity in people and places, she would go on to be feared and revered everywhere as the inimitable Big Nose Kate. BIG NOSE KATE™ western whiskey is a firstof-its-kind blend of straight American Rye Whiskey and American Single Malt, crafted by award-winning Master Blender, Melissa (Mel) Heim, as an homage to one of the greatest stories never told. Curious and satisfying, this groundbreaking blend captures essences of the West with bold spice, dry Earth, and sweet undercurrents. What makes it Western? Simple: It’s wild.

Birdie Brown

Birdie Brown Straight Wheat Whiskey is made from a mash of wheat, oats and barley. Gracefully distilled. Perfectly aged for 3 years. Birdie Brown was one of the few African American female homesteaders in Montana. She grew her own grains, distilled her own liquor, and served it up in her popular parlor during Prohibition. Birdie’s boss story is proudly shared through this Straight Wheat Whiskey. With a mission to ‘Diversify the Bar’, Henderson Spirits Group honors little-known African Americans who have made significant contributions to the world of Spirits through its high quality offerings.

Bollygood

Bollygood is the first Indian-inspired sparkling lemonade and limeade in North America. It is based on a Nimbu Pani - a beverage enjoyed for centuries in India from street carts to restaurants to home kitchens. Maxine, the founder, added a sparkling twist to this classic which is a new and exciting way to experience this beverage. Bollygood’s customers are both culture curious and health conscious. Bollygood is a better-for-you choice you can feel good about enjoying without sacrificing taste. It is 50 calories, only 7g added sugar, NonGMO Project Verified and tastes great. Bollygood is a certified woman-owned and minority-owned company that spreads happiness and culture through our Indian-inspired sparkling beverages. Maxine has started in beverages with hopes to expand into new categories. Bollygood has launched into its first large chain of grocery stores, The Fresh Market. Bollygood is sweet, bubbly, unforgettable, just like India.

Corpse Reviver

Corpse Reviver, crafted by female founder Anna Zesbaugh, is a hydration libation crafted for every occasion and inspired by the traditional botanic beverage. This libation plays a simple role - to offer a better-for-you, non-alcoholic beverage with simple ingredients needed to bring the body back to life. Ease into enjoyment with benefits from the nutritionistformulated revival blend: l-theanine, magnesium, zinc, potassium and sodium for recovery. Embark on a sensorial journey with Corpse Reviver’s variety pack including Guava Rose Hibiscus, Botanical, and Prickly Pear flavors.

Danie’s Natural Juice Blends

Black, female-owned Danie’s Natural Juice Blends sells all-natural cold-pressed juices and cleanses with no additives or flavorings. Its top-selling product is Mark’s Ginger Shot which has a potent blend of ginger, pineapple, and lemon with the option to add turmeric for an extra boost. The shot is formulated to kickstart the

De La Calle

With healthier lifestyles trending, many people have adopted moderate drinking habits by switching to low-abv or non-alcoholic options. The trend, which began with Dry January, has moved beyond the movement and is projected to grow 7% over the next 4 years. De La Calle, the brand bringing pineapple-based Mexican tepache to the U.S., is a non-alcoholic and low-sugar alternative to alcohol-based drinks that’s a delicious nonalc alternative. Fermented with pineapples and sweetened with turbinado sugar and other spices, and formulated based on the co-founder’s traditional family tepache recipe, De La Calle tastes like a fancy cocktail without the alcohol, sugar and calories. De La Calle is available in tasty flavors including Watermelon Jalapeño, Ginger Manzana, Picante Mango Chili and Tradicional Pineapple Spice and exclusively at Target in Hibiscus Citrus, Ponche Tropical, Pineapple Chili.

Desolas

Desolas Mezcal is an artisanally crafted spirit that is thoughtfully produced from 100% Salmiana Agave found in the state of San Luis Potosi, Mexico. The Salmiana agave, also known as the “green giant,” is cooked in aboveground ovens resulting in a mezcal with a fresh botanical aroma and gentle smoke. Its grassy, earthy and agave-forward character are a product of the arid and chalking soil of San Luis Potosi. The female-founded, award-winning mezcal brand can be found in New York, Florida, Georgia, Texas, Colorado and California and ships nationwide. Desolas is also served at premier hotspots including Bond St, Polo Bar, Spring Place, Sant Ambroeus, Casa Tua, Mayfair Grill, BOHO house, among others.

Doughp

In a world of sweet indulgence, Doughp stands out as a delightful treat with a unique twist – it’s not just about the dough, but the empowering force behind it. Founded by the fearless leader, Kelsey Moreira, Doughp is a testament to female entrepreneurship in the culinary realm. Breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes, Kelsey has crafted a brand that not only satisfies the sweet tooth but also inspires. Through their initiative #Doughp4Hope, Doughp has donated more than $100,000 to mental health & addiction recovery non-profits. Enter Doughp Drops, the bite-sized revolution that transforms cookie dough into an on-the-go delight. With every pouch, Doughp Drops embody the spirit of innovation and convenience. Indulge in Doughp, where every bite tells a story of resilience, creativity, and the sweet taste of success.

Dream Tea NYC

Dream Tea NYC is the only AAPI-owned tea brand offering consumers a userfriendly way to create their tea blend successfully. The small-batch custom tea is changing how we enjoy sipping this age-old ritual to suit our taste buds. At Dream Tea, we understand that no one knows your favorite cup of tea better than you. We’re here to help you take your ideal ingredients from dream blend to custom cup. Anney is available for interviews and can add a fresh perspective on creating a soothing tea ritual for 2024. She epitomizes the American Dream and has turned it into a rewarding and successful business.

Florida Pure Sea Salt

Florida Pure Sea Salt is a small, woman-owned business local to St. Petersburg, Florida. Owner/maker Maureen Cacioppo says, “Only the cleanest and best water is harvested to make the purest and finest tasting salts while protecting the waterways and its creatures.” She makes her salts to enhance the food we make and enjoy with family and friends. In addition to natural salts, Maureen makes several infused salts, garlic being the most popular. There’s also (vegan) maple bacon, lime, habanero and more. All salts are hand-harvested, small batch and 100% pure, and are terrific to use in cooking or as finishing salts on dishes, and even on the rim of cocktails. 20% of all online orders of Pure Pride Sea Salt is donated to Equality Florida. This non-profit organization is the largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community.

El Naranjo

Owned by Chef Iliana de la Vega and her husband, Ernesto Torrealba, El Naranjo’s World-Famous 7 Chile Salsa Macha is made in-house at El Naranjo Restaurant & Bar in Austin, TX. The condiment consists of chiles, oil and seeds. The restaurant also sells pumpkin seed salsa macha and sesame seed salsa macha. The restaurant packages and ships nationwide orders weekly.

FUZZBUTT Premium Vodka

FUZZBUTT Premium Vodka is an ultra-premium Vodka made with dog lovers in mind! Founder Linda Schurr named the brand in tribute to her late good boy and inspirational fuzzbutt, Cody, as seen on the label. FUZZBUTT Premium Vodka donates 50% of its profits to animal rescue charities making each cheers a liquid tribute to Cody and all pups. Charities supported through FUZZBUTT Premium Vodka include the ASPCA, Hearts & Bones, Muttville, and Muddy Paws Rescue. The vodka is distilled 20 times on a steam powered Kothe still using the highest quality non-GMO corn. With 18 plates used in the fractionating columns, it is actually distilled 20 times once it finally makes its way out of the condenser. This makes it incredibly pure with a perfectly clean and neutral finish that is smooth enough to sip chilled, over the rocks, or with your own favorite vodka cocktail.

gimMe

Growing up in central Seoul, Annie Chun never ate packaged seaweed. Instead, her mother would dry, roast, and make it from scratch at home. Wanting Americans to experience the snack the same way she did as a child, Annie and her husband, Steve, started gimMe, the first USDA Certified/NonGMO Verified Organic seaweed in the US. Gimme Seaweed’s Non-Dairy White Cheddar Roasted Seaweed Snacks are USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified, only 30 calories per serving, and an excellent source of vitamins B12 & K and iodine. What’s more, each 10g pack is equal to a serving of veggies! These umami rich snacks are roasted to light and crispy perfection.

GOODONYA

GOODONYA is a mineral wellness brand inspired by nature, designed to provide an approachable solution to hydration. After years spent as a highendurance athlete and Olympian, LGBTQ+ female founder Kris Buchanan created GOODONYA HYDRATE as an alternative to the sugary sports drinks of her past. As the brand’s most popular product, HYDRATE has 2,000 loyal direct-to-consumer subscribers, and 10,000 glasses are poured each year at the namesake organic eatery. HYDRATE is the only Certified Organic and Certified Glyphosate-Free hydration powder in the world, made with six simple ingredients straight from nature, such as lemon, coconut, and Himalayan pink salt. This balanced hydration drink contains 70+ essential minerals and only 1g of sugar per serving, with no added sugar and no artificial or so called “natural” flavors. It tastes like light, refreshing lemonade and is available in both popular multi-serve bags and Stick Packs for on-the-go hydration.

GoodSAM

Available at Sprouts, Whole Foods Market, Erewhon, and Thrive Market these indulgent and crunchy chocolate-covered nuts are layers of regenerative joy. Organically grown and sourced in Ghana and Kenya, GoodSAM’s Chocolate Covered Macadamia Nuts support small regenerative farms, biodiversity, fair wages, fair employee benefits, and indirect jobs that aid in poverty alleviation through capacity building and structural change. GoodSAM’s products include various chocolate bars, chocolate chips, nuts, coffee, candy-coated nuts, and more. All products in the GoodSAM line are direct trade, non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free, and are grown using regenerative farming techniques and preserving indigenous and smallholder farmer wisdom.

Grüvi

Grüvi is an award-winning line of non-alcoholic social beverages from co-founder Anika Sawni, offering craft beer and wine for a hangover-free tomorrow. Grüvi is trailblazing a new way to live and socialize with alcoholfree beverages that make every moment more Grüvi. Grüvi’s Non-Alcoholic Sangria won a Gold Medal at the International Wine and Spirits Competition 2023 and two silver medals at IWSC and International Alcohol-Free awards, being recognized as one of the best non-alcoholic wines globally The Sangria is the perfect combination of fruit and spice with bright notes of blood orange, red currant and blueberry.

Happy Wolf

Happy Wolf is a new brand of wildly simple snack bars, founded by a busy mom. Their nut-free fridge-fresh bars are made with the simplest possible whole-food ingredients, sweetened with only dates and honey. The Chocolate Chip bars are made with datesweetened chocolate chips, delivering the rich flavor of a chocolate brownie, without the sugar crash. And unlike other ultra-processed bars in the grocery store, there are no weird powders, preservatives, additives, artificial or “natural” flavors…only real, whole ingredients you would use in your own kitchen. They’re school safe, allergy-friendly and will keep you satisfied and energized throughout the day.

500+

5,000+

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Holidaily Brewing Company

Holidaily Brewing Company is the passion project of Karen Hertz, a craft beer enthusiast with an appetite for living life to its fullest. Having survived both melanoma and thyroid cancers, Karen adopted a gluten-free diet as part of her treatment. This lifestyle change, while essential for her health, posed a challenge for her love of beer and social activities. Faced with limited options in the gluten-free beer market, Karen felt compelled to create a solution. Enter Holidaily Brewing Company, a company committed to crafting exceptionaltasting gluten-free beer. Rooted in Karen’s dedication to health, happiness, and the celebration of life, Holidaily Brewing Company was born out of a desire to provide flavorful options for beer enthusiasts with dietary restrictions.

Holidaily Brewing Company is a 100% certified, dedicated, gluten-free brewery; one of only 17 in the United States, and the only certified womanowned brewery in the United States.

Hotel Tango

Hot N Saucy

Featured on Season 18 of Hot Ones and Lizzo’s favorite hot sauce, this flavor packed sauce tastes like when the Thanksgiving collards touch everything else on your plate. This potlikker-flavored hot sauce made with one of the world’s hottest peppers will take your next meal out of the stratosphere with heat and FLAVOR! Created in small batches by chef Samantha Allonce, her six all-natural blends are mouth-watering and made with the experience of having worked in some of New York City’s best restaurants. She puts flavor before the heat and caters to Americans’ rising need for the heat! With her Jamaican background, she is influenced by her culture’s recipes and combines unique ingredients we don’t usually see together in hot sauces, like pepperoncini and honey.

Hotel Tango is a veteran-owned and operated distillery in Indianapolis, Indiana owned by husband and wife Travis & Hilary Barnes. To honor their founder, Travis Barnes’ military service, the distillery’s name was made using the nato-phonetic alphabet, Hotel for Hilary and Tango for Travis. The company was born not only out of their founders’ passion for distilling, but also their desire to create a space (and a brand) that’s welcoming to all comers who want to have a good time while enjoying high-quality spirits. Hotel Tango crafts 10 spirits with their two best selling products being their Bourbon (4-grain bourbon rated 94 points in Wine Enthusiast Magazine) and ‘Shmallow (Toasted Marshmallow Bourbon) which was selected by Food & Beverage magazine as a top product of 2023. Through it all, they have remained committed to delivering on their promise: Guaranteed to elevate company morale.

Innovatus

Napa Valley’s first Korean winemaker and viticulturist, Cecil Park, has broken barriers and become a trailblazer in the Napa Valley wine industry. Her wine brand, INNOVATUS, epitomizes her dedication to innovation, seamlessly intertwining traditional and modern techniques that captivate palates worldwide. Among Park’s exquisite creations, the INNOVATUS 2021 Brut Sparkling stands out. Crafted from the rare Napa Valley grape, Viognier, it is delicately balanced and brimming with flavors that are both full-bodied and refreshing. Utilizing the traditional Champagne method, this sparkling wine boasts complexity, effervescence, and a distinctive flavor profile, revealing delightful hints of citrus and green apple. Amassing acclaim from industry authorities like James Suckling and Vivino, INNOVATUS has earned its place on the global wine stage, captivating enthusiasts in China, Korea, and Japan. As a minority and female innovator, Park continuously challenges the status quo, embodying resilience and innovation in the heart of Napa Valley.

Kankitsu Labo

KANKITSU LABO launched with the mission to become the bridge connecting with the US by assisting the growth of community farmers and manufacturers in Japan, and introducing new flavors have yet to be discovered by many. KANKITSU’s 100% pure extract of Sudachi is harvested in Tokushima, Japan. Sudachi is commonly mistaken as lime, but has higher juice content. They’re about the size of a golf ball, and are commonly used in Japanese cuisine. 100% Pure Sudachi Extracts delivers unique aroma and spice like tanginess to wow your palate. Perfect to accompany savory dishes such as grilled fish, cocktails. Sudachis are finely pressed from the sides to emulate hand squeezing to control the amount of oil and to keep consistent purity. The extract brings you the true flavors of Sudachi available in Japan to elevate your culinary experience. Perfect addition to your cooking, baking, dressing, cocktails and mocktails, and more!

Kapowder

Discover this science-backed, alkalizing multivitamin daily greens powder from women-owned and operated, KAPOWDER, which is designed to make your skin glow, from the inside out. Crafted only with premium, vegan and 100% natural ingredients, VITALITY offers all the essential greens and vitamins you need in a single scoop. Bid farewell to tablets that take ages to absorb, and get your daily intake of nutrients instantly. Tastes like citrus with a dash of green tea and features ingredients your skin will love, including Matcha, Acai & Spirulina. You have to try it for yourselves.

LALO

Eduardo “Lalo” González and David R. Carballido, the founders of LALO Tequila, are revolutionizing the spirits landscape with their commitment to crafting an unmatched blanco tequila experience. As minority-owned entrepreneurs, they embarked on a quest to redefine tequila, placing authenticity and purity at the forefront. Originating in Guadalajara, their journey started humbly, producing small batches for intimate circles, yet swiftly gained widespread acclaim for its extraordinary flavor and unadulterated essence. LALO blanco embodies the pinnacle of tequila craftsmanship, meticulously distilled twice to perfection without the need for barrels or additives. Their process centers on handpicking the finest agave from the Jalisco highlands, meticulously preserving its natural essence. With an unwavering dedication to tradition, Lalo and David pay homage to the essence of agave by adhering to a minimalist approach, incorporating only agave, yeast, and water in their blanco creation. Through their steadfast commitment to quality and heritage, LALO Tequila shines as a beacon of excellence in the spirits industry.

Lobos 1707

Lobos 1707 Tequila & Mezcal is an independent spirits producer that blends heritage and innovation. Inspired by rich family traditions, Founder and Chief Creative Officer Diego Osorio launched Lobos 1707 in 2020 with backing from legendary athlete and cultural icon LeBron James. The Lobos 1707 portfolio is made up of five ultrapremium award-winning offerings infused with history, culture and family legacy: Lobos 1707 Joven Tequila, Lobos 1707 Reposado, Lobos 1707 Extra Añejo, Lobos 1707 Añejo, and Lobos 1707 Mezcal. All sourced from the finest ingredients, Lobos 1707’s portfolio is all natural and gluten-free, with zero color or flavor additives. Made with 100% Blue Weber Agave, then aged in American white oak barrels and finished in Pedro Ximénez (PX) Sherry wine barrels using the Solera method for unique and elevated flavor profiles. Lobos 1707 is Influenced by both old and new world techniques, harvested, distilled and bottled in Jalisco and Oaxaca.

Luji’s Chocolate

Luji’s (“Loo - geez”) Chocolate is deliciously grown, crafted and packaged from bean to bar in West Africa and made with unique ingredients from the region. When you purchase a Luji’s bar, they’ll deliver cocoa tree seedlings to a cocoa farmer where our cocoa is sourced. Dedicated to creating the finest chocolate that celebrates the unique flavors of West Africa, Luji’s Chocolate mission is to blend exquisite taste with authentic regional ingredients, crafting a chocolate experience that’s truly West African at heart. In addition to creating mouthwatering chocolate, they are also adding value to the local economy where our chocolate comes from. The Luji’s sampler set includes 4 chocolate bars in a set, Milk Chocolate and Dark Chocolate, as well as 2 specialty flavors, Ginger Plantain Crunch & Spicy Suya. All of the bars are single origin & 100% made in West Africa. Each flavor is in beautifully designed packaging that puts the Luji’s mission at the very center. Despite West Africa being the world’s cocoa powerhouse, producing over 70% of the global supply, only a fraction of the chocolate is actually made there? That’s where Luji’s Chocolate stands apart. They are deeply rooted in the rich soils of West Africa, collaborating hand-in-hand with local farmers & local processors to cultivate their cocoa and make chocolate right in the heart where it all begins.

Made Simpli

Simpli Press emerges as a trailblazer in the realm of coffee brewing. Created by the minority and woman-led company Made Simpli, this innovative French press is redefining the coffee experience with its unique design. The Simpli Press boasts a patented stainless steel double filter and coffee basket system, ensuring a smooth, rich cup of coffee without the mess traditionally associated with French presses. This design not only enhances the brewing process but also champions eco-conscious practices by facilitating cleanup and minimizing waste. Committed to making a difference, Made Simpli dedicates 10% of its profits to supporting communities in need, illustrating the company’s dedication to empowerment through innovation.

Melinda’s Hot Sauce

Melinda’s Hot Sauce stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of minorityowned businesses, embodying the essence of cultural richness through its authentic and flavorful offerings. With a commitment to preserving traditional methods of hot sauce production, Melinda’s takes pride in crafting each bottle with love and care, using only the finest and freshest ingredients. Melinda’s mirrors the diversity within the minority community, particularly Latinx, offering a wide range of heat levels and flavors to cater to every palate. From mild and tangy to explosively spicy, there’s a perfect sauce for every taste preference. Melinda’s Hot Sauce not only celebrates its minority heritage but also showcases the entrepreneurial spirit and culinary expertise within the community. Through its dedication to delivering exceptional taste experiences, Melinda’s has carved a niche as a standout minority-owned brand in the competitive market.

Michele Foods

Founded by Michele Hoskins, Michele Foods is the first Black woman-owned syrup company, offering three delicious gourmet options made from secret family recipes dating back to the late 1800s. Hoskin’s great-great-great grandmother, America Washington, was a formerly enslaved person who developed a recipe for syrup out of churned butter, honey and cream as an alternative to molasses. This recipe is used today in the brand’s stand-out line, making it a “sweet family legacy in a bottle.” Michele Foods offers three flavors today: Honey Crème, Maple Crème, and Butter Pecan varieties. Celebrating 40 years of “Good Over Everything” syrups.

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Mingle

Mingle is a line of sparkling ready-to-drink craft mocktails, founded by Laura Taylor & now backed by Bethenny Frankel, which can be enjoyed solo or used as a premium mixer. Mingle strives to make everyone feel part of the party, whether or not you choose to drink, with its range of six sophisticated nonalc flavors, including Cranberry Cosmo. Imagine the clinking of glasses, the laughter of friends and the joy of celebration. Now, add a touch of cranberryinfused elegance to the mix. Cranberry Cosmo redefines what it means to celebrate. Bursting with the essence of tangy cranberries, balanced by a hint of citrusy sweetness, this non-alcoholic beverage mirrors the sophistication of a classic Cosmopolitan cocktail that’s perfect for relaxing after a long day, enjoying a casual evening with friends or celebrating a momentous occasion.

Mr Bing

Mr Bing’s goal is to make the most accessible, sustainable, and better-for-you East Asian Steet Sauces to celebrate an evolving “All-American” food culture. Mr Bing Chili Crisp, made from scratch since 2015, is constantly evolving to meet the dietary needs of their customers. The result was a punchy, crunchy, irresistible condiment and cooking ingredient that’s also non-GMO, Kosher, gluten free, free from 9 known allergens, and made without flavorings or preservatives. Mr Bing specializes in making accessible, clean-label sauces that are inspired by the street food of East Asia, and easy to love on virtually any cuisine. Their street sauces include Chili Crisp, Sriracha, Hot and Sticky Wing Sauce, with two more sauces launching in 2024. Mr Bing is a minority owned business and donates monthly to charities that support the Chinese communities that inspired the company.

Mud Australia

Designed by Founder Shelley Simpson and handcrafted in Sydney, Mud Australia’s Flared Dinner Plate features a minimalist aesthetic with an artisan finish. Made of premium porcelain, its versatile, timeless shape can be used for a full meal or as a serving plate for shared fare. The Flared Dinner Plate is available in 10 striking shades to complement any tablescape or season. These plates, along with Mud Australia’s other dinnerware, are microwave, oven, and dishwasher safe, for effortless prep and clean up, making them ideal for restaurants and home chefs alike.

Pari Foods

NoAlchCo

Founded by Yalda Paydar, NoAlchCo is a chic, socially inclusive, and distinctive alcohol-removed wine brand for sophisticated and intentional consumers looking for quality, mindful indulgence, and a pleasurable drinking experience. Crafted with health in mind, NoAlchCo wines are low in calories, contain no added sugars, and boast a natural taste with no artificial flavor. NoAlchCo sources 100% California grapes for its wines, using traditional fermentation methods. The innovative spinning cone column technology is then employed for vacuum distillation, removing alcohol while preserving the balance and complexity of each varietal. Post-alcohol extraction, the company reintroduces natural flavors without the use of sugar or artificial additives. This Rose provides a crisp, mineral, and refreshing finish with hints of rose and strawberry. This non-alcoholic wine provides the flavor profile of a luxurious Rose from Cote de Provence without the alcohol. No added sugar, or artificial flavors, and has 20 calories.

Partake

Created in 2016 by Founder and CEO Denise Woodard, when her daughter was diagnosed with multiple food allergies, Partake is a Certified B Corp that works to provide everyone the ability to partake and share in life’s joys— big and small. The Black-owned, women-led company offers delicious, allergy-friendly cookies, baking mixes and pancake & waffle mixes that are certified gluten-free, nonGMO, vegan, and free of the top 9 allergens (wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, milk, eggs, soy, fish, sesame, and shellfish). The products are made with better-for-you ingredients and offer a variety of new and nostalgic flavors that those with and without dietary restrictions can enjoy. With radical inclusivity at its core, Partake partners with non-profit

Pari Foods is a minority, woman owned certified (MWBE) organization that symbolizes a legacy of supplying the world’s longest and finest quality Basmati Rice across the United States. It developed its innovative new productRegal Harvest Smoked Basmati Rice. This Basmati Rice is grown in the foothills of the Himalayas, aged for 2 years and smoked with natural willow wood. Smoking gives an appetizing twist with its unique smoky aroma and earthy, toasty flavor. It complements all cuisines. It has a convenient resealable Zipper Pouch and is easy to cook. Pari Foods wishes to introduce Regal Harvest Smoked Basmati Rice to new buyers who are seeking revolutionary new flavors to upgrade their offerings or menus and seeking better Basmati Rice for higher yields and profits.

YOLO Spirits

Quiet Storm was established in 2012 by Cory Lamb, the founder and creator of YOLO Spirits. Its smooth silky taste is made with a mixture of the finest American yellow and white sweet corn. “The Classic” carries vanilla undertones, with hints of white peppercorn giving it a velvety rich finish, which is elegant on the rocks. The biggest plus is that it’s gluten-free, GMO free, and kosher. Quiet Storm has won a total of eleven medals since 2015.

Zeal

Take a sip of this all-in-one nutritional drink mix to experience essential nutrients and more through a bold and richly refreshing Bold Grape flavor. Available in a bag of 10 single-serving packets – gluten free and vegan - making this the perfect travel companion. Zeal for Life contains over 56 whole food nutrients that includes over 120 vitamins*, minerals and antioxidants. Zeal has been clinically shown to reduce stress and increase productivity while making you feel vibrant, focused, calm and confident. Zeal’s natural source of clean energy can provide a boost of consistent and stable, long-lasting energy throughout your travels.

Phenomenal Spirits

Phenomenal Spirits is a minority owned company, founded in 2017 by Karthik Sudhir, and a real-life example of the power of the American Dream. In 2005, Sudhir immigrated to the US from India with barely $400 in his pocket. After first establishing a presence in the tech industry, Sudhir pivoted to pursue his passion of creating exceptionally high-quality brands that fill untapped opportunities in the craft spirits category. Literally, built from scratch, Phenomenal Spirits officially launched in 2019 with the debut of Ron Izalco Rum followed by RY3 Whiskey in Mid-2020 – both exceptionally crafted spirit brands that are increasingly peaking consumer curiosity. The success of both brands has fueled further expansion to 19 states and provided the launch pad needed to take these two multi-award-winning craft brands to the global markets. The company operates its own blending facility in Virginia Beach and is fully functional, allowing the team to control quality and consistency along with all aspects of product development. Sudhir’s is all set to scale throughout the US and on the world stage.

Pipcorn

Pipcorn is a better-for-you salty snack brand made with heirloom corn, offering Mini Popcorn, Cheese Balls, Twists; simple, real ingredients that are whole grain, gluten-free, and Non-GMO Project Verified. Their newest product: the Honey BBQ Twists, is the latest flavor to join the light, airy, and oh-so-crispy Twists range, which combines that irresistible Pipcorn crunch with the classic Honey BBQ flavor. Pipcorn was founded in 2012 by Jeff Martin, his sister Jen Martin and his wife, Teresa Tsou, and became a Shark Tank success story when backed by Barbara Corcoran in 2015. Pipcorn was crowned as one of “Oprah’s Favorite Things’’ three times and is beloved by celebrities, families, and on-the-go snackers across the nation.

Poi Dog Sauces

Meet Kiki Aranita – the AAPI chef behind Poi Dog Sauces, James Beardnominated journalist, and artist. Inspired by her childhood split between Hawai’i and Hong Kong, and eventual transition into the contiguous states, Aranita confronts the nuances of her identity in each facet of her life through food. The newest addition to the Poi Dog line is Chili Peppah Water: Batch Noelani, named after founder Chef Kiki Aranita’s younger sister, available now in a bigger, better, squeezier 9 oz. squeeze bottle. Chili Peppah Water is found on most tables in Hawai’i, nestled next to the shoyu. We say “chili peppah water over everything” and “everything” refers to rice, meats, macaroni salad, vegetables, and more. Batch: Noelani features Espelette and Ancho Peppers from Boonville Barn Collective. Chef-developed, the sauce is the perfect seasoning for Hawaiian style plate lunches, poke bowls, raw oysters, margaritas, mocktails, and more. Vegan and gluten free.

Quiet Sun

Add a touch of elegance to your table setting and feel good while doing it with the Quiet Sun Table Runner. Inspired by the natural colors of the Bangladeshi landscape, this tablecloth was ethically handcrafted by environmentalist artisans with Prokritee. Prokritee improves women’s standard of living with fair wages, safe jobs, and the goal of self-reliance and employs women traditionally excluded from the market: widows, heads of households, rural poor, or landless without another source of income. So not only will this table runner elevate your next meal at-home, but it helps to support many of the wonderful organizations partnered with Ten Thousand Villages. Pair it with the Quiet Sun Napkin for a seamless table setting.

Sipwell Wine Company

Sipwell Wine Company is a female-founded company based in Southern California that makes vibrant, award-winning canned wine. Owner, Hilary Cocalis is passionate about the planet which is why the singleserve, aluminum cans are infinitely recyclable and all of the wine is sourced from organically and sustainably farmed grapes in California’s Central Coast. Launched in May 2021, Sipwell’s four award-winning wines are available for sale at retail and online, shipped in packages of 6 or 12. Tiny Victories Sparkling White Wine is the first and only canned wine to make Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 list. A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Tiny Victories smells like lemon curd, Fuji apple, and chamomile. The bubbles bring out some biscuit-y notes, balancing out its refreshing tartness.

Tenango Rum

Guatemala City native Sofia Deleon is a visionary aiming to reshape the world’s perception of rum with her brandnew spirit, Tenango Rum. Inspired by Deleon’s great-great grandmother, a pioneering woman distiller in the 1920’s, Tenango is an homage to family, good times, and the female entrepreneurial spirit The rum also aims to provide a sustainable income for Guatemalan communities via employing women and craftspeople to hand-make the vibrant covers that adorn each bottle. The traditional Mayan sheaths are woven on a traditional foot loom by a Guatemalan Kik’che’ Women’s co-op that specializes in this cultural practice. Tenango features rich notes of cocoa, banana, coffee, almond, and tropical fruits, which seamlessly dance with the whiskey notes imparted by the second use barrel, adding flavors of butterscotch and caramel, making this the perfect rum for whiskey lovers. This mission-driven spirit is available online for nationwide shipping.

The Blending Lab Winery

The Wine Blending Kit from The Blending Lab Winery provides a wonderful experience for wine enthusiasts to jump into one of the most exciting functions of the winemaking process – wine blending trials. Skip buying “red blends” at the store and use this kit to make a one-of-a-kind, personalized wine blend. The Wine Blending Kit provides the tools– beakers, graduated cylinders and more, process– booklet and instructional videos, and wine necessary to create a personalized wine blend using three single varietals that were created specifically for this hands-on experience. There is no better way to learn about the basic science of wine and develop new vocabulary to be able to understand and describe wine preferences more simply. The Blending Lab’s Wine Blending Kit is one of the most unique and fun wine drinking experiences available and will change the way wine enthusiasts think about and drink wine.

Tipsy Scoop™

Melissa Tavss started Tipsy Scoop™ in 2014, inspired by her great-greatgreat grandfather who made ice cream at home and sold it in a push cart. Following in the ice cream tradition, she began to experiment with putting a modern boozy twist on ice cream. Now, Tipsy Scoop is New York City’s (and perhaps even the world’s) first boozy ice cream spot. Inspired by classic and contemporary cocktails, these ice creams are ready to be devoured straight from the pint, scooped into a sundae or blended into a malt-ini milkshake. Tipsy Scoop’s intoxicating ice creams are not merely flavored with liquor, but in fact contain up to 5% alcohol by volume.

Tom Bullock’s

Tom Bullock’s Burnt Orange Bourbon is smooth, 4 years old, bottled in Kentucky and kissed with the sweet, smoky, caramelized grace of burnt orange rind. Tom Bullock, an esteemed bartender, literally wrote the book on cocktails. Consider him The Original Tastemaker. In 1917 he became the first African-American to publish a cocktail book, The Ideal Bartender. With a mission to ‘Diversify the Bar’, Henderson Spirits Group honors little-known African Americans who have made significant contributions to the world of Spirits through its high quality offerings.

Two Fish Foods

The COVID-19 pandemic caused over 10% of restaurants in the United States to permanently close. Chicago-based black female entrepreneur Yasmin Curtis’ Two Crab Shack could have been among the statistics. Instead, it resulted in starting a consumer goods business that has allowed Curtis’s food to reach thousands of seafood boil devotees nationwide. With indoor dining closed and without a carryout system in place, Curtis took to her kitchen, combining customer-favorite shrimp and snow crab legs with her “3 The Chi-Way’’ sauce in an easy-to-use, frozen package fans could keep in their freezers and enjoy from the convenience of home. Yasmin first debuted her seafood boil bag at a local market event, where it sold out within 30 minutes. Today, Two Fish Foods’ shrimp and snow crab seafood boil bags are available in the freezer section at thousands of grocery stores nationwide.

wildwonder

Growing up in China, founder Rosa Li’s grandmother brewed healing tonics with a symphony of wild herbs and botanicals. They worked wonders, soothing her stomach and lifting her spirits. wildwonder is a reimagination of Rosa’s heritage, rooted in Eastern herbalism with flavors as fresh as a California produce stand. Every recipe combines gut healing superfoods and botanicals with whimsical flavors to make gut health as easy as cracking open a can. The newest flavor, Pineapple Paradise, is a tangy and tropical with a twist, combining pineapple, zesty lime, and tangerine juice with Szechuan peppercorn for a complex, yet nostalgic flavor with a warm hint of spice. All wildwonder beverages are gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, caffeine free, and USDA organic, containing one billion live probiotics and five grams of prebiotic fiber with only six grams of sugar and 35 calories. Five percent of profits from every drink goes towards empowering women and marginalized communities.

PR%F Awards Celebrates its 5th Year of Competition

By Michele Tell

MASKED

PR%F

Awards is a rating competition platform for spirits, wine, and beverages to be evaluated for taste and design with the utmost integrity, credibility, and inspiration.

That is the key element of why ALL of the PR%F Awards judges are all beverage buyers—not only to highlight and find the latest in trending spirits but also to have an opportunity to put those new brands on shelves and into consumers' hands. Our judges assemble annually in a private two-day PR%F Awards competition where they sample, discuss, and rate brands from across the US and internationally. The chatter among our judges discusses trends, buying habits, spending habits, price points, and, mostly, taste. Each brings a buyer’s perspective to the competition and what their customers drink and prefer.

This year, it was unanimous that our bottles, the designs, the quality of craftsmanship of the bottles, the retro cool different sizes of ready-to-drink cans, and the overall theme of many new brands were eclectic and exciting.

UNMASKED

The totalpackage competition

Our judges come from all walks of the industry. Highlighting the PR%F Awards is Delta Sky Club® and Delta Airlines, our signature partner for the past five years, with growing Sky Clubs in Los Angeles, Kansas City, Minneapolis, JFK, Boston, Newark, Los Angeles and Haneda, Japan. Additional spotlight establishments include Bashas' and AJ's Fine Foods in Arizona, recently acquired by Raley's and the world’s biggest big box chain of all, Walmart. Specs in Texas, Liquor World, dozens of distributors, Sahadi Liquor in Brooklyn, Boyd Gaming, and Palms Casino Resort also represented at our competition this year, just to name a few.

At PR%F Awards, beverage brands are judged separately for two different types of competitions during a two-day private event. Brands are scored against a 100-point rating program. So, we like to call it “brand against itself,” unlike other competitions, allowing us to add a myriad of unique categories each year.

Our judges come to the PR%F awards for one reason—to be introduced to the newest spirits, wine, and beverages on the market—and to have a private experience

The coveted double-blind tasting competition

PR%F awards celebrates its 5th year of competition

% PR%F awards celebrates its 5th year of competition

to taste and evaluate hundreds and hundreds of brands with peers to discuss trends, pricing, taste and appeal with like-minded buyers from different areas of the United States.

Our judges, all buyers, are awestruck with the creativity of the brands that cross their palates each year. Our continued growth in vodka, tequila, and whiskey, the array of RTDs (unique flavors), and the burgeoning alcohol-free and coffee-based beverage space were amongst the chatter at the 2023 PR%F Awards. This year, the noted varietals that sparked in more entries included añejos, flavored tequilas and moonshines, brandies, Mezcals, rums and gin, wines of exceptional varietals, and so much more. This year, our competition sported two complete rounds of cognac, more than any year of this competition.

Each brand automatically gets entered into two separate and different competitions— PR%F Awards Masked! (double-blind) and PR%F Awards Unmasked - The Total Package, a combination of taste, packaging, logo, and design. This allows all our entrants to win two medals based on a single entry fee.

All spirit entries are judged in The NEAT Glass, the official judging glass for serious spirit competitions and the first and only sensory science-designed vessel engineered to deliver all aromas to the nose for complete, accurate evaluation.

A special accolade is presented to womenowned brands that have busted through the glass ceiling and made a mark as owners, distillers, creators, and more. Kosher brands (both spirits and wine) entered this year with fury, and each is also presented with a special Kosher-certified accolade upon entering. Both

awards are intended to be used for marketing and letting the marketplace know what sets them apart from the rest while promoting their bottles and cans.

In 2024, we are debuting our Veteran Owned Award. All veteran-owned brands, will receive a specialty award to highlight their commitment to our country. The PR%F Awards organization thanks these strong men and women for their dedication and service to keep us safe at home.

Heading into our third year of online distribution is PR%F the Magazine, a beverage specialty digizine designed to enhance awareness and uncover trends in the beverage industry in line with our signature media partner Food and Beverage Magazine, leading in the hospitality, food, and beverage industries for the past 20+ years and boasting over 14 million readers.

We built the PR%F Awards with a marketing mindset to help new and emerging brands get a chance to be placed on a public shelf, offer guidance, accolades, a magazine, and wordof-mouth social media to build awareness… and dreams. Congratulations to our winning brands. We look forward to seeing your growth throughout the year.

Our registration is open. Enter your brand today at www.proofawards.com

PR%F awards celebrates its 5th year of competition

% PR%F awards celebrates its 5th year of competition

A Special Thank You to This Year's Judges*

Gemma Acheson

Johnson Brothers

Edward Allen

Carnival Cruise Line

Chris Anderson Rustic House

Eve Bushman UNLV - Wine

Nicole Canfeld

Palms Casino Resort

Brittany Chardin

Movers & Shakers

Delta Sky Club®

Bobby Cheng Food & Beverage Consultant

Christine Crnek

The NEAT Glass

Ken Dayton

Pacifc Edge Wine & Spirits

Daniel de Anda Fast

Horizon Event Solutions

Aaron "Doc" DeFeo

Little Rituals, Marriot Phoenix

Cesar deMark

Spec's Fine Wine & Spirits

Jena Domingue

UrbanVino; WineDirect

Michael Giambrone

Raise the Bar

Sean Hackney Bar Beverages

Karen Harling

Walmart

Ken Heck

Chinglish

Kitty Heck

Chinglish

Lou Hirsch

Breakthru Beverage

Alice Itsell

Basha's, Raley's, AJ's Fine Foods

Steve Jabour Spec's Fine Wines & Spirits

Gwendolyn Jackson

Liquid Distributors, Atlanta

Tylor Kezar

S Bar Las Vegas

Bobby Kryger

Al's Garage Sports & Gaming

Matthew-Lorén Lindsey

Hire A Sommelier.com

West Coast Beverages

Brian McCullough

Spec's Fine Wine & Spirits

TJ McNally

Boyd Gaming

Margaret McSweeney Kitchen Chat Podcast Host

Chris Motley

Liquor World

Caroline Navish

Sahadi Spirits, Brooklyn NY

John Oliver

Breakthru Beverage

Kenny Okada

Lotus of Siam

Kristine Reynolds

Palms Casino Resort

Chris Rosano

Palms Casino Resort

Matthew Rose

Partage

Roy Saunders

T-Bones Chophouse, Red Rocks Resort

Tucker St. John

Esther's Kitchen

Abe Taylor

Downtown Hospitality Group

Greg Van Stone

Palms Casino Resort

Danny Wedge

John Cutter Tavern, Al's Garage, Rustic House