4/19/2011
Uncle Bunk’s “Mustard Relish – Hot” has been selected as a Silver Finalist for Outstanding Condiment in the 2011 sofi™ Awards from the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT), Inc. The sofi Awards recognize excellence in specialty foods and beverages and are a coveted industry honor. The acronym “sofi” stands for Specialty Outstanding Food Innovation.
The Mustard Relish – Hot was one of 110 Silver Finalists selected by a national panel of specialty food experts from 1,657 contenders across 31 awards categories. Gold Winners will be announced in a red-carpet ceremony July 11, 2011 at the Summer Fancy Food Show in Washington, D.C., hosted by noted chef Cat Cora. Uncle Bunk’s will be participating in the show and awards ceremony as part of a six-firm pavilion from West Virginia.
“We are thrilled that the judges picked our Hot Mustard Relish,” said Stacy Young Kasun, founder of family-owned and operated Uncle Bunk’s. “Our customers tell us this flavor is unique and makes a great condiment for any dish. Being a finalist is great recognition and we believe it is the first time a West Virginia food product has made it this far in the competition.”
Young Kasun, who moved back to West Virginia eight years ago, founded Uncle Bunk’s with her parents, Larry and Rose in 2003. All Uncle Bunk’s products are based on old family recipes and are produced in small batches using fresh produce. Other products include their award-winning 14 Day Sweet Pickles and Rustic Pepper Sauce. They are available at many gourmet outlets including Tamarack and at
www.unclebunks.com.
Agriculture Commissioner Gus R. Douglass is thrilled with the recognition. “For the past 18 years, the Department of Agriculture has focused on developing agribusinesses and the food manufacturing sector of the state. Uncle Bunk’s is a stellar example of the state’s superb food products,” he said. Douglass went on to commend the company and wish them success at both the Fancy Food event and finalist competition.
The sofi Awards are open to members of the NASFT, a not-for-profit trade association established in 1952 which has more than 2,900 members throughout the U.S. and abroad. For more information on the NASFT and its Fancy Food Shows, visit
www.specialtyfood.com.
“The field was the most competitive yet, with more than 1,650 entries across all 31 awards. The innovation and quality of the finalists are a true testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of our members,” said Ann Daw, president of the NASFT.
For more information, contact Stacy Young Kasun, Co-Owner/Director of Business Operations,
304-652-1920,
sjyoung@unclebunks.com.
Contact Information
Buddy Davidson, Communications Officer
304-558-3708
bdavidson@ag.state.wv.us