Askinosie Chocolate named 2009 sofi™ Silver Finalist By the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade
Askinosie Chocolate has been selected as a Silver Finalist in the 2009 sofi™ Awards from the NASFT. Their 70% San Jose Del Tambo Dark Chocolate Bar was one of 5 Silver Finalists in the chocolate category by a national panel of specialty food experts. Gold Winners will be announced June 29 at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City.
Springfield, MO (PRWEB) May 15, 2009 -- Askinosie Chocolate has been selected as a Silver Finalist in the 2009 sofi™ Awards from the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade, Inc. The sofi Awards recognize excellence in specialty foods and beverages in 33 categories and are a coveted industry honor. "sofi" stands for Specialty Outstanding Food Innovation.
Askinosie Chocolate's 70% San Jose Del Tambo Dark Chocolate Bar was one of 5 Silver Finalists in the chocolate category by a national panel of specialty food experts. Gold Winners will be announced June 29 at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City.
"It is an honor to be chosen as a finalist. There are so many fantastic products in the industry and we are excited to be recognized by such an experienced panel of judges," said Shawn Askinosie, Founder and Chocolate Maker of Askinosie Chocolate. Askinosie, a former criminal defense attorney, sold his first dark chocolate bar in 2007 at their chocolate factory in Springfield, Missouri. Now his products can be found in over 200 stores nationwide, as well as distributed throughout Sweden, Australia, Singapore and the UK. Their product line includes Single Origin Dark Chocolate, Singe Origin White Chocolate, Natural Cocoa Powder, Roasted Cocoa Nibs, and Sipping Chocolate. Askinosie Chocolate can also be ordered online at www.askinosie.com.
"This year's finalists are an outstanding group. They show that our members continue to produce and market distinctive foods and beverages, even amid this challenging economy," said Ann Daw, president of the NASFT. The sofi Awards are open to members of the NASFT, a not for-profit trade association established in 1952 with more than 3,000 members throughout the U.S. and abroad. For more information on the NASFT, go to www.specialtyfood.com
Askinosie Chocolate is a small batch chocolate manufacturer sourcing 100% of their beans directly from the farmers. Shawn Askinosie, travels to regions of Mexico, Ecuador, and the Philippines to work directly with the farmers and source cocoa beans for his chocolate. This allows the chocolate to be traced to the source and labeled Authentic Single Origin Chocolate. It also enables Askinosie Chocolate to profit share with the farmers, giving them a Stake In the Outcome™. The Askinosie Chocolate mission is to serve their farmers, their neighborhood, their customers and each other; sharing the Askinosie Chocolate Experience by leaving the world a better place than they found it.
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