2011 sofi Silver Finalist

Press Release

Aceto Balsamico de Modena – Purple Label, named 2011 sofi ™ Silver Finalist for Outstanding Vinegar By the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade

New York, NY (April 25, 2011) – Aceto Balsamico de Modena – Purple Label, has been selected as a Silver Finalist for Outstanding Vinegar in the 2011 sofi™ Awards from the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade, Inc.  The sofi Awards recognize excellence in specialty foods and beverages and are a coveted industry honor. “sofi” stands for Specialty Outstanding Food Innovation.

The Aceto Balsamico de Modena – Purple Label was one of 110 Silver Finalists selected by a national panel of specialty food experts from 1,657 contenders across 31 Awards categories. Gold Winners will be announced in a red-carpet ceremony July 11, 2011 at the Summer Fancy Food Show in Washington, D.C. hosted by noted chef Cat Cora.

“We are thrilled that the judges picked our Balsamic Vinegar,” said Anna Zoitas, founder of The Artisanal Kitchen. “Our customers tell us that the quality is far superior than other Balsamic Vinegars they have tried. Just being a finalist is great recognition.” Zoitas, a thirty something entrepreneur, founded The Artisanal Kitchen in 2009 after she decided to offer extraordinary quality artisan products that are carefully created with love and attention to detail.  Her love for all things beautiful and delicious is displayed in every product carrying The Artisanal Kitchen name.  www.TheArtisanalKitchen.com.

The sofi Awards are open to members of the NASFT, a not-for-profit trade association established in 1952 with more than 2,900 members throughout the U.S. and abroad. For more information on the NASFT and its Fancy Food Shows, go to www.specialtyfood.com and for complete coverage of the 2011 sofi Awards, visitfoodspring.com/sofiawards.

“The field was the most competitive yet, with more than 1650 entries across all 31 Awards. The innovation and quality of the finalists are a true testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of our members,” says Ann Daw, president of the NASFT.

Anna’s Contact:

Anna Zoitas, Owner, 917-709-4977, anna@TheArtisanalKitchen.com

NASFT Media Contacts:

Ron Tanner, VP Communications & Education; 646-878-0115, rtanner@nasft.org

Louise Kramer, Communications Director; 646-878-0130, lkramer@nasft.org