Local food makers chosen in national competition

Springfield's Askinosie Chocolate and Hammons Products Co., of Stockton, have been named silver finalists in the 2011 Sofi Awards, a nationwide competition recognizing choice foods.

The 39th annual Sofi Awards are presented by the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade, a nonprofit trade association.

Askinosie Chocolate is a finalist in two categories - chocolate, for its Davao, Philippines, White Chocolate Bar; and jam, preserve, honey or nut butter, for its Hey, Hey Hazelnut Chocolate Hazelnut Spread. Three other companies were chosen in the chocolate category, and three other companies were chosen in the jam, preserve, honey or nut butter category.

Askinosie also was named a silver finalist for its chocolate in the 2010 and 2009 competitions, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

Hammons is a finalist in the oil category for its Black Walnut Oil. Two other companies were named as finalists.

Part I of the 2011 Sofi Awards judging, which narrowed down the silver finalists, picked companies in 31 categories from 1,657 entries, according to the Sofi Awards Web site.

Winners will be announced July 11 at the Summer Fancy Food Show - hosted by celebrity chef Cat Cora - in Washington, D.C.[[In-content Ad]]