Three B's Jams LLC to compete in UGA’s 2022 Flavor of Georgia Final Judging

Judges have selected Three B's Jams LLC's product, Strawberry Jalapeno Jam, as a finalist to compete in the second and final round of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences’ annual Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest. Narrowed from a field of 148 products, the finalists will compete on April 21 at The Classic Center in Athens with an award ceremony to follow.

Three B's Jams LLC's Strawberry Jalapeno Jam is handmade in small batches with cane sugar. According to the company, it's a perfect dip, drizzle, glaze or marinade for all culinary delights.

The contest is the state’s proving ground for small, upstart food companies as well as established products looking for recognition or new markets. This year’s finalists represent all corners of the state and the best of Georgia’s diverse culinary heritage.

“The Flavor of Georgia competition is an opportunity for the Department of Food Science and Technology (FST) to make an impact with companies and individuals who are developing new products and new businesses — ultimately, these new products and businesses benefit not only those who are directly involved in them but also those who buy the products they sell,” said FST Department Head and Professor Manpreet Singh. “With a wealth of resources at their disposal through FST on the Athens and Griffin campuses, Flavor of Georgia competitors are able to develop flavorful, marketable and profitable products for consumers.”

Judges for the final round of the contest will include food brokers, grocery buyers and other food product experts. Entries are evaluated by category based on their Georgia theme, commercial appeal, taste, innovation and market potential. Contestants will provide samples to judges while pitching their products in a three-minute presentation. Winners will be named for each category, the overall grand prize and a people’s choice award, which will be chosen by event attendees.

Showcasing Georgia’s Best

Flavor of Georgia is more than a contest; it helps promote and showcase the variety and success of food entrepreneurs in the state. Since 2007, more than 1,500 products have been entered into the contest, and participating businesses have experienced increased sales, business contacts, publicity and overall interest in their products.

Past finalists report that participation in the contest boosts their annual sales by about 20% on average. Taking into account multiplier effects, it is estimated that increased sales from participating in Flavor of Georgia contribute to more than $5.6 million in annual revenue for the Georgia economy, according to a follow-up survey of previous finalists and winners from 2015-2019.

“Not only were these products sold in Georgia but sales have also been reported in all 49 other states,” said Sharon Kane, study author and economist with the CAES Center of Agribusiness and Economic Development. “Significant sales were reported throughout the southeast in Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, Florida and South Carolina.”

The Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest is organized by the UGA CAES Department of Food Science and Technology with support from the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Georgia Grown and Georgia Agribusiness Council.

“Flavor of Georgia is a showcase of all that the Department of Food Science and Technology does, from flavor profiling to extending the shelf life of a product and value addition of food products,” Singh said.

More information about the contest is available at flavorofgeorgia.caes.uga.edu and by following the contest on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.