The 2024 grand prize winner in UGA’s Flavor of Georgia Food Competition went to New Creation Soda Works for their product, PECHES Georgia Peach Soda.
PECHES Georgia Peach Soda combines the state fruit with purified carbonated water and pure cane sugar to create a refreshing drink, free of caffeine and high fructose corn syrup.
New Creation Soda Works is a family-owned company based in Bishop, Georgia. They started small in 2015, selling their soda syrups at local farmers' markets. They have since created a strong brand, now selling their canned sodas at more than 700 locations nationwide.
“We’re proud to partner with Pearson Farm and for all our peaches to be sourced from Georgia. We’re trying to create a great experience; an experience that you want to come back to,” Head Brewer, Alex Harding said. “We test and pilot until we think the flavor is the best in the world.”
New Creation Soda Works was among 36 finalists narrowed down from 139 entries during the first round of judging last month.
Entries are evaluated on their Georgia theme, commercial appeal, taste, innovation and market potential. Contest judges include food brokers, grocery buyers and other industry experts.
Each year, this competition creates an even playing field for Georgia-based food companies. From up-and-comers to their tried and true counterparts, the final judgment brings the best of the best to the forefront.
“The Flavor of Georgia contest allows the Department of Food Science and Technology to engage and promote food entrepreneurs in Georgia,” FST Department head, Manpreet Singh, said. “Experts from our department work with these food entrepreneurs in understanding food ingredients, product profiles and other key aspects of developing new products.”
For winning the grand prize, New Creation Soda Works was awarded an exhibit space at the Georgia Food Industry Association annual convention (a $1,500 value). They have three consultation sessions from the UGA’s Food Product Innovation and Commercialization Center (FoodPIC) on product or process design, ingredient functionality, sensory testing or shelf-life determination (a $1,500 value).
“Starting a food company is challenging enough; navigating the technical and regulatory process adds additional stress to entrepreneurs,” said Jim Gratzek, FoodPIC director. “We are happy to help establish food safety planning, navigate the regulatory process and provide assistance in commercializing these products and more into the Georgia market.
The 36 finalists received a personalized press release, the use of the Flavor of Georgia finalist logo on their label, and the opportunity to present their product to a panel of food industry experts at the final judging event. Finalists also received a one-year Georgia Grown membership, courtesy of the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
From the list of finalists, Twelve winners were named for the following food categories –
- Baked Goods: Pearson Farm, Peach Cobbler Kit, Fort Valley
- Barbecue Sauces: Braswell’s Food Company, 1946 Sugar Free BBQ Sauce, Statesboro
- Beverages: New Creation Soda Works, PECHES Georgia Peach Soda, Bishop
- Condiments, Sauces and Seasonings: ResQue Rubs, Duke’s Steak Rub, Cumming
- Confections: Goodson Pecans, Sweet Orange Pecans, Leesburg
- Dairy Products: Jensen Reserve, Bacon French Onion Dip, Loganville
- Honey and Syrups: Noble Honey Company, Garlic Hot Honey, Dallas
- Jams and Jellies: Anna’s Garden, Blue Satsuma Jam, Fitzgerald
- Meats and Seafood: Jensen Reserve, Little Lonzina, Loganville
- Miscellaneous: Goodson Pecans, Toasted Pecan Fudge Butter, Leesburg
- Pickled Vegetables, Relish and Salsas: Evergreen and Market, The Banana Pickle, Atlanta
- Snack Foods: Corks Popcorn, Buffalo Ranch Popcorn, Statesboro
A People’s Choice Award, chosen by event attendees, went to The Chai Box for their Chai Concentrate.
Each entry in the Flavor of Georgia contest can be found in the digital product directory, including a professional photograph and brief overview of the company.
