All the Fixin’s to compete in UGA’s 2023 Flavor of Georgia final judging

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Judges have selected All the Fixin’s’ product, Burnin' Slap Up Spicy Pecans, 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.

The Burnin' Slap Up Spicy flavor was created in the summer of 2022 and is the fourth flavor in the lineup of pecans grown and roasted by All the Fixin's Pecans out of Twin City and Swainsboro. In 2021, their Get 'Em Riled Up Crunchy Chocolate Pecans were a finalist in the snack foods category in the same Flavor of Georgia contest.

All the Fixin's encourages customers to spice up snack time with their Burnin' Slap Up Spicy Pecans.

“The spicy pecans' flavor profile features a crunchy texture that is slightly sweet, salty and has a deep, warm flavor with a peppered spicy kick towards the end. They go great with a cold Coca Cola or your other favorite cold drink!” explained the Tuckers, who are the owners of All the Fixins.

All the Fixin’s ‘Burnin' Slap Up Spicy Pecans’ have been narrowed to the top 36 from a field of 124 products and have made it into the top three of 14 in the snack foods category. Finalists will compete on March 28, at The Classic Center in Athens with an award ceremony to follow. 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 engage with food companies and entrepreneurs who are developing new products — ultimately, these new products and businesses benefit not only those who are directly involved in them but also those who buy the products," said FST Department Head and Professor Manpreet Singh.

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.

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 1,700 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. Considering 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.

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 and Georgia Grown. This event is a part of CAES Signature Events. These special events showcase outstanding faculty contributions, foster community, and industry collaboration, and spotlight the college's impact on a global scale.

“Flavor of Georgia showcases all the different ways FST impacts the food industry, from flavor profiling to extending the shelf life of a product and value addition of food products," Singh said.

The 2023 event is open to the public from 4 to 6 p.m. and the $20 admission includes samples from finalists in attendance and one drink ticket.

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

Product Contact:

Janna Tucker support@allthefixinspecans.com 770-304-6688