Specialty Food Association Celebrates Leaders in 2025
The Specialty Food Association is excited to unveil the honorees of its prestigious Leadership, Hall of Fame, and Lifetime Achievement Awards for 2025. These awards, collectively known as the "People Awards," highlight individuals who have played vital roles in shaping the flourishing specialty food industry, valued at an impressive $207 billion.
2025 People Awards Overview
Recognition Ceremony
The honorees will be duly celebrated at a special ceremony held at the Summer Fancy Food Show. It promises to be an event filled with honor and gratitude for those who have dedicated their efforts to the growth and excellence of the specialty food sector.
New Award Categories
This year, the Specialty Food Association (SFA) introduced new categories to the Leadership Awards, allowing for fresh talent and contributions to be recognized. Among these are the Next Generation Leader and Volunteer of the Year awards, aimed at acknowledging individuals who show exceptional promise and dedication.
2025 Leadership Award Honorees
This year’s remarkable Leadership Award recipients include:
- Equity & Opportunity: Felicia Vieira, Crafted Brand Company
- Citizenship: Collette Divitto, Collettey's Cookie Corp.
- Vision & Sustainability: Ayissi Nyembe, EMKAO FOODS
- Outstanding Buyer: Holly Long, Whole Foods Market
- Next Generation Leader: Caroline McGinley, Gringuita Cookies
- Next Generation Leader: Devin Powell, Protein Candy
- Next Generation Leader: Rina Perrault, Sun World International
- Volunteer of the Year: Sarabjit Sawhney, South Amboy Kitchen, LLC
2025 Hall of Fame Inductees
This year’s distinguished Hall of Fame inductees include:
- Case D. Fischer, Fischer & Wieser Specialty Foods, Inc.
- Patrick Ford, Bone Suckin' Sauce
- Karta Owens, Associated Buyers, Inc.
- Kerry Bamberger, BWI, Inc.
- Mitchell Berliner, MeatCrafters, Inc.
- Matt Nielsen, Nielsen-Massey Vanillas
- Heather Paul, Specialty Food Association
- Norm Jelsma, Milo's Whole Gourmet, LLC
2025 Lifetime Achievement Awards
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipients showcase extraordinary dedication and innovation:
- Annie Chun, Annie Chun's, Inc./gimme Health Foods, Inc.
- Stephen Broad, Annie Chun's, Inc./gimme Health Foods, Inc.
- Becky Renfro-Borbolla, Renfro Foods, Inc.
- Doug Renfro, Renfro Foods, Inc.
- Pamela Barefoot, Blue Crab Bay Co.
- James Stott, Stonewall Kitchen
- Jonathan King, Stonewall Kitchen
- Ari Weinzweig, Zingerman's
Celebrating Industry Success
Each year, the Specialty Food Association (SFA) plays a critical role in shining a spotlight on the achievements within the specialty food industry. Bill Lynch, President of SFA, stated, "Our mission is to highlight the industry’s successes and the remarkable individuals responsible for them. The introduction of awards like Next Generation Leader and Volunteer of the Year reflects our shifts towards embracing innovation and commitment in our community. A heartfelt congratulations to all the honorees!"
2025 Summer Fancy Food Show
The Summer Fancy Food Show, set from June 29 to July 1, will be a grand event at NYC’s Javits Center. This show will feature a diverse array of specialty food products from various exhibitors and will provide numerous educational opportunities for trade professionals and journalists alike.
About the Specialty Food Association
Established in 1952, the Specialty Food Association (SFA) serves as a crucial trade association, representing over 4,000 businesses in the specialty food industry. SFA is committed to supporting its diverse community through events, programs, and resources aimed at fostering industry innovation and collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the People Awards?
The People Awards comprise the Leadership, Hall of Fame, and Lifetime Achievement Awards, celebrating those who have significantly impacted the specialty food industry.
When will the ceremony take place?
The ceremony will occur at the Summer Fancy Food Show, held in late June each year.
Who are the 2025 Leadership Award winners?
The winners include notable figures such as Felicia Vieira and Collette Divitto, among others.
What is the Summer Fancy Food Show?
It is an annual expo showcasing specialty food products, featuring exhibitors from around the world and providing networking and educational opportunities.
How long has the Specialty Food Association been active?
The Specialty Food Association has been serving the specialty food industry since 1952, consistently pushing for industry growth and excellence.
