Department of Food Science and Technology Hosts 2026 Flavor of Georgia Competition
Department of Food Science and Technology Hosts 2026 Flavor of Georgia Competition
The UGA Department of Food Science and Technology, home to UGA’s online Master of Food Technology, continues to support food innovation across the state through its annual Flavor of Georgia competition.
Hosted within the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the competition highlights standout products from Georgia-based food businesses. This year, Papa Mountain’s Garlic and Herb Bread Rolls earned the top prize among 180 entries across 12 categories, while Ocmulgee Orchards’ Sugar Fried Pecans received the People’s Choice Award.
Other category winners include:
- Baked Goods: Garlic and Herb Bread Rolls by Papa Mountain in Augusta
- Barbecue Sauces and Seasonings: Crunchy Peanut Seasoning by PODI Life in Cumming
- Beverages: Caribbean Hibiscus by Caribbean Hibiscus in Decatur
- Cakes: Sweet Potato Cheesecake by Dorothy’s Desserts in Atlanta
- Condiments and Sauces: Summertime Blues by Atlanta Burns in Pine Lake
- Confections: The Complete Georgia Collection by Xocolatl Chocolate in Atlanta
- Dairy Products: Honey Peach Pecan Cream Cheese by Now Schmear This! in Austell
- Honey, Syrups, Jams and Jellies: Summer Berries and Wine Spread by Georgia Jams in Williamson
- Meats and Seafood: Piecasso: Chicken, Bacon, and Spinach Pie by Pouch Pies in Norcross
- Miscellaneous: Stone-Ground Grits by Artisan Milling Co. in Rome
- Pickled Vegetables, Relish and Salsas: The Green Tomatoes by [PICKLES] Evergreen and Market in Tucker
- Snack Foods: Sugar Fried Pecans by Ocmulgee Orchards in Hawkinsville
Flavor of Georgia serves as both a launchpad and a spotlight for food entrepreneurs, connecting small and growing businesses with industry experts, buyers, and new markets. Since 2007, more than 2,400 products have been entered.
“One of the most exciting aspects of this event is partnering with food business entrepreneurs who are turning bold ideas into market-ready products,” said Faith Critzer, professor and interim head of the department, who also teaches in UGA’s online Master of Food Technology program. “Supporting their journey through this event and other outreach opportunities really demonstrates the great things that can happen through strong public-private partnerships.”
Laurel Dunn, assistant professor and UGA Cooperative Extension coordinator and a faculty member in the online program, also emphasized the competition’s role in building community among emerging businesses when she spoke to Morning AgClips for the article “30 Finalists Advance in 2026 Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest.”
“The product competition helps those small to medium-sized beginning entrepreneurs,” Dunn said. “We get a lot of excitement from new entrepreneurs as they develop new products that bring them exposure.”
The competition includes a multi-round judging process, with finalists presenting their products to a panel of industry professionals and community leaders. Winners are selected based on taste, innovation, market potential, and their connection to Georgia.
Beyond recognition, finalists receive promotional support and industry exposure, reflecting UGA’s broader commitment to strengthening Georgia’s food economy through research, outreach, and education.