RICHMOND, Va. (WFXR) – Gov. Glenn Youngkin was on-hand to announce the winners of the Best New Product Awards for the 2022 Virginia Food and Beverage Expo on Wednesday, March 30.
While there, he announced a rebranding of two marketing programs that promote goods made in the Commonwealth.
Youngkin also detailed an effort to address supply chain issues and his push to cut Virginia’s Grocery Tax as budget negotiations in the General Assembly are ongoing.
“We’ve got to cut taxes. Right now is our time. Fourteen billion dollars of extra revenue in the system that we didn’t expect just six months ago.”
Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA)
The General Assembly is expected to vote on a two-year budget – including tax cuts – in a special session starting April 4.
The Virginia Food and Beverage Expo was sponsored by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, connects buyers representing grocery stores, restaurants and gift shops directly with Virginia specialty foods and beverages. This year, over 200 exhibitors and over 1,000 registered attendees.
This year, there were 40 entries for the categories of Best Product Overall, Best New Food and Best New Beverage.
The following Virginia companies won this year’s Best New Product awards competition:
Best New Product Overall
- Chaotic Good Tempeh, Richmond
- Black Bean and Pumpkin Seed Carnitas
Best New Food
- Northern Neck Sauce, Richmond
- Mild Sauce
Best New Beverage
- Pastry Base LLC, Richmond
- Lillibean Hot Cocoa Bomb Kit
A panel of judges, including food writers, evaluated the competition entries based on originality, taste and aroma, creative packaging and visual appeal.
