With 2024 Flavor of Georgia registration closing on February 13th, we wanted to highlight a previous winner of the “Beverages” category. Flavor of Georgia is a food product contest for Georgia-made products annually held in Athens, GA. Food products are evaluated based on the technical aspects of the food as well as potential market volume, consumer appeal, and how well the product represents Georgia.
In 2022, the winner of the beverages category was Byne’s Blueberry Cider. This Georgia treat was made from a combination of blueberry juice from Byne Blueberry Farms and apple juice from Mercier Orchards. Byne Blueberry Farms is an organic blueberry farm in Waynesboro that has been run by the Byne family since 1980. Mercier Orchards is located in Blue Ridge and is a family owned and operated apple orchard that was founded in 1943. The two collaborated to produce the refreshing, alcohol free blueberry cider that won the 2022 “Beverages” category. The cider combined the sweetness of apples and the tartness of blueberries to create a unique flavor profile. Additionally, the product was packaged using recyclable materials.
Finalists in each category receive a professional product photo, the use of the Flavor or Georgia logo on their label and promotional materials, and a 1-year Georgia Grown membership. The Grand Prize winner wins an exhibit space at the Georgia Food Industry Association Annual Convention and three consultation sessions from the UGA Food Product Innovation and Commercialization Center (FoodPIC).
There is still time to register your food product in Flavor of Georgia! For more information, please see the Flavor of Georgia website or email flavorofga@uga.edu. This is a fantastic opportunity to market your product and expand your network!