PARIS, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pace Picante sauce and salsas scored their highest number of awards ever – nine total wins and two coveted first-place awards – in the National Fiery Foods & Barbecue Show’s 2011 “Scovie” Awards Competition, one of the most competitive and recognized gourmet food award competitions in the country for salsas, hot sauces and barbecue sauces.
“This is the third year that Pace varieties have participated in the Scovie Awards and they have been more successful every year,” said Dave DeWitt, founder, National Fiery Foods & Barbecue Show and Scovie Awards Competition. “The Pace brand is definitely broadening its reach into more segments, reaching more salsa lovers around the country, and convincing experienced foodies who judge the awards that it has achieved gourmet salsa status.”
Named after the Scoville scale, which measures the spicy heat of a chili pepper, all Scovie Award entries are blind taste tested by a panel of judges, who base their scores on appearance, aroma, spice blend, originality, flavor and overall impression. This year’s judges included executive chefs, restaurant owners, culinary instructors, food writers and other food industry leaders.
Pace 2011 Scovie Award Wins
Pace Picante sauce and Chunky salsas swept the “All-Natural” salsa category, for entries made with no additives or preservatives. Pace Picante sauce (“medium” variety) took first place, while Pace Chunky salsa (“hot” variety) won second and the “medium” variety of Pace Chunky salsa took third.
Pace Pineapple Mango Chipotle salsa also scored a first-place award, in the “Chipotle” salsa category.
The judges also recognized the “hot” variety of Pace Chunky salsa with a second-place award in the highly competitive “Hot” salsa category.
Pace Mexican Four Cheese salsa con queso took two second-place awards, in both the “Unique Cheese” and “Prepared Dip” categories.
Pace Salsa Verde won third place in the “Tomatillo” salsa category.
In the “Unique” salsa category, Pace Black Bean & Roasted Corn salsa took a third place award.
“We are extremely pleased to be honored this year with our best showing ever in the Scovie Awards,” said Pace Brand Manager Jeff Knabe. “These awards are a testament to the passion of our employees and their commitment to quality. Of course, with the football playoffs in full swing, there’s no better time for fans to enjoy Pace Picante sauce and salsas.”
The Scovie Awards Competition is now in its 23rd year. Entries are judged by a blind taste-test. In this year’s competition, professional judges evaluated more than 600 entries of sauces, salsas and other spicy treats. The National Fiery Foods & Barbecue Show will be held March 4-6, 2011 in Albuquerque, N.M.
About Pace Foods
Pace Foods was founded in 1947 when David Pace introduced his original Pace Picante sauce. Pace salsas and Picante sauces are made with big chunks of red ripe tomatoes, crispy onions, and hand-picked jalapenos in Paris, Texas. http://www.pacefoods.com
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6578597&lang=en