Local

Flavor of Georgia Seeking Applicants for 2014 Event

November 18th, 2013

Culinary entrepreneurs are invited to have their products tested out by state experts, local foodies….and people looking for a bite to eat.

Applications for the 2014 Flavor of Georgia are now being accepted.

Amy Stankus, the owner of the Atlanta-based Chocolate South, is among those who will be competing in this annual event.

She wowed the judges in the 2013 contest with the Georgia Peaches Tea Bon Bons.

“Right after I won the competition, the Agriculture Commissioner took 100 of them on a trade mission to Gabon and it’s just been really nice to be able to say that I won the Grande Prize,” says Stankus.

An audio version of this story.

This will be the seventh year the University of Georgia Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development is holding this event.

Organizers call it a good networking place for people with Peach State products.

“About 85% of the people that went through the contest last year have actually experienced an increase in their business contacts, 27% or so actually have you know, seen increased results,” said Kent Wolfe, director of the UGA Center.

Another return competitor is Adriana Coppola, the owner of Alta Cucina Italia.

She says even though her white balsamic vinegar fell short with the judges, she enjoyed the experience.

“It gives me some inspiration to create something new. I like it also because it gives me feedback at the end, what they think about your product,” says Coppola.

Registration is open from now through February.

Judging takes place in March.