Over the past decade, the cheese industry has exploded, with small-batch artisanal cheesemakers popping up in every state and the large cheesemakers increasing the sophistication of their offerings to compete. As specialty cheeses become more popular, their manufacturing processes become more streamlined, mechanized, and efficient.

In response to the pandemic, the Specialty Food Association (SFA) focused on creatively and consistently providing opportunities for its members. This includes the 49th Annual sofi™ Awards, a celebration of culinary excellence and creativity. 

The Specialty Food Association (SFA) announced the winners of the 2021 Leadership Awards. Honoring influential and innovative entrepreneurs who are transforming the specialty food industry, the awards are presented in three categories: Business Leadership, Citizenship, and Vision.

The Specialty Food Association board of directors appointed Bill Lynch as the president of the organization. Initially appointed interim president in May 2020, Lynch has been with the SFA for more than 20 years.

Based on sales data from the past three calendar years, the new Specialty Food Association's (SFA) annual State of the Specialty Food Industry Report  reveals a robust specialty food industry hitting $158.4 billion in sales, a 10.7% increase since 2017. The full report includes commentary throughout that reflects the impact and ramifications of COVID-19.

Bill Lynch has been appointed the interim president of the Specialty Food Association by the SFA’s Board of Directors. Lynch, who has 20 years of experience with the Association, will take over the leadership position as the contract expires for the current president, Phil Kafarakis. Kafarakis will assist Lynch over the coming month to take over leadership duties.

The Specialty Food Association (SFA) represents as many as 4,000 independent specialty food companies. Its two annual conventions—the Winter Fancy Food Show in January and Summer Fancy Food Show in June—prove to be key scouting opportunities for those manufacturers, retailers and foodservice operators interested to preview food and beverage trends.

The Specialty Food Association’s Trendspotter Panel reviewed 80,000 specialty food and beverage products to select a robust group of products and companies representing eight notable trends in the specialty food and beverage industry.

Headquartered in New Jersey with operations in California, Florida and Canada, White Toque sells both frozen and dry specialty foods to more than 250 distributors and wholesalers across the US.

Visitors will be able to taste the classic and unique A Dutch Masterpiece, a collection of four premium mature cheeses that have won excellence awards around the world thanks to exclusive recipes and commitment to the art of traditional Dutch cheesemaking.