Hillsborough food company named grand champion in the N.C. Specialty Food Association's 2026 Best in Taste Awards
The North Carolina Specialty Foods Association (NCSFA) recently announced the winners of its 2026 Best in Taste Awards, the state’s premier recognition honoring excellence and innovation among North Carolina’s artisan and specialty food producers. This year’s competition featured entries across 11 product categories, reflecting the depth and diversity of the state’s thriving specialty food community.
Each product was evaluated through a blind judging process led by culinary and industry professionals, ensuring impartiality and that every entry was assessed solely on its merits: taste, innovation, ingredient quality and overall excellence. The awards highlight the creativity and craftsmanship that define North Carolina’s food and agricultural landscape.
Big Spoon Roasters of Hillsborough earned the 2026 Grand Champion title for its Vanilla Latte Almond Butter, selected as the most outstanding product among all category winners. The small‑batch nut butter maker is known for its chef‑crafted approach, thoughtful sourcing and inventive flavor profiles. The winning product blends slow‑roasted almonds with real vanilla and coffee, offering a sophisticated yet approachable flavor experience that stood out during blind judging.
The Grand Champion designation represents the highest honor awarded by NCSFA, recognizing exceptional taste, artisan quality, and innovation.
“We are deeply honored and incredibly grateful for Vanilla Latte Almond Butter to be named Grand Champion in the NC Specialty Foods Association’s Best in Taste Awards,” said Mark Overbay, co-founder, Big Spoon Roasters. “This recognition means so much to our entire team because this product represents the kind of collaboration and craftsmanship we care deeply about, starting with exceptional ingredients and working with partners who share our commitment to quality, transparency, and flavor. Madcap Coffee’s Eureka Espresso, heirloom Mission almonds, Ugandan bourbon vanilla and a touch of real maple syrup come together in a way that feels both familiar and completely new, and we had so much fun bringing that idea to life. To have it celebrated here in our home state of North Carolina, among so many talented food makers, is especially meaningful. We’re tremendously thankful to the judges, the NC Specialty Food Association, our partners at Madcap and everyone who has tasted, shared and taken home a jar of this nut butter.”
For other category winners, visit https://ncspecialtyfoods.org/award-winners/
About the Best in Taste Awards
The Best in Taste Awards are North Carolina’s most prestigious specialty food recognition program. Entries are judged blind by culinary professionals and industry experts, ensuring meaningful credibility for winning brands. A Best in Taste award provides valuable third‑party validation, elevating visibility, opening new retail opportunities and positioning producers as leaders in their categories.
About the North Carolina Specialty Foods Association
The North Carolina Specialty Foods Association is a statewide trade association dedicated to supporting, promoting and growing North Carolina’s specialty food industry. Through events, education, advocacy and community‑building initiatives, NCSFA empowers local food entrepreneurs and strengthens the state’s food and agricultural economy. For more information, visit www.ncspecialtyfoods.org.
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