A pastry item clinched the premier position at the 2025 Flavor of Georgia food product contest, surpassing a remarkable 173 entries across 12 categories.

Sunday Dinner Griscuits, crafted by Lady Belle, is a French gougeres, or cheese puff, filled with macaroni and cheese flavored grits combined with collard greens and smoked turkey.

Lady Belle is a French-Southern hybrid micro-bakery that focuses on artisanal Parisian-style macarons, Belle (Signature) Macarons, and savory Gritscuits.

“To me, achieving this victory signifies that even if the initial effort didn’t bring about a total success, it doesn’t imply that one should cease striving for perfection based on what you know is bound to happen,” stated owner Charlette Bell. “I’m eager about the opportunities ahead for Gritscuits and our aspiration to establish it as a highly desired item in Georgia and beyond.”

Showcasing Georgia’s rich culinary legacy

Flavor of Georgia, a University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Signature Event, has aided in launching small food enterprises and garnered attention in new markets for established brands since its inception in 2007. Over 2,225 entries have been submitted to the competition, and participating companies have seen boosted sales, business connections, media exposure, and general interest in their offerings.

Managed by the CAES department of food science and technology, the contest receives backing from presenting sponsor Massey Ferguson, alongside the Georgia Department of Agriculture and Georgia Grown, the CAES Alumni Association, Farm Credit Associations of Georgia, Corteva Agriscience, and the Georgia Agribusiness Council.

This year’s Flavor of Georgia winners hail from all regions of the state and represent the finest of Georgia’s multifaceted culinary tradition. The winners were selected from 37 finalists chosen during the initial judging round last month.

“The 2025 Flavor of Georgia competition is a genuine reflection of the essence behind the contest: to serve as a platform for Georgia’s food entrepreneurs and their innovative products,” remarked Manpreet Singh, head of the CAES food science and technology department. “The department and its faculty provide an arena for entrepreneurs to display their innovations in the food sector by understanding food ingredients, product profiles, and other crucial facets of new product development.”

The 2025 victors

The judges for the competition’s concluding round consisted of food product specialists, community representatives, local entrepreneurs, and political figures. Entries were assessed by category based on their connections to Georgia, commercial appeal, flavor, innovation, and market viability. Winners are arranged by product name, company, and city within the 12 competition divisions.

• Baked Goods: Sunday Dinner Gritscuits by Lady Belle in Stone Mountain
• Barbecue Sauces and Seasonings: Georgia Sweet Peach by Oconee Gold BBQ Sauce in Statham
• Beverages: Tilted Tea – Farmer’s Daughter by Jubilee Energy Company in Jackson
• Cakes: Georgia Turtle Delight by Jessicakes Bakery in Covington
• Condiments and Sauces: Bootlikker Thunderbird Wing Sauce by Bootlikker Hot Sauce in Jefferson
• Confections: Honeycream Gelato by Honeycream in Rome
• Dairy Products: Georgia Gouda by Sweet Grass Dairy in Thomasville
• Honey, Syrups, Jams and Jellies: H.L. Franklin’s Hot Creamed Honey by H. L. Franklin’s Honey in Metter
• Meats and Seafood: Pastured Cane Syrup Pork Sausage by White Oak Pastures in Bluffton
• Miscellaneous: Chorisoy by Viva la V in Tucker
• Pickled Vegetables, Relish and Salsas: Georgia Chow Chow by Jake’s Fresh Market & Cannery in White
• Snack Foods: Sugar Fried Pecans by Ocmulgee Orchards in Hawkinsville

A People’s Choice Award, determined by event attendees, was granted to Ocmulgee Orchards for their Sugar Fried Pecans.

Will Harris, proprietor of White Oak Pastures, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in animal science in 1976 from CAES.

In his address at Savor the State: A Flavor of Georgia Tasting Experience, CAES Dean and Director Nick T. Place highlighted the importance the college places on entrepreneurship and the spirit of innovation that propels the state’s food sector.

“Our aim is to foster the growth of small enterprises, bolster local economies, and promote the use of Georgia-grown ingredients,” Place said. “This event not only celebrates food but also the individuals behind the products, who tirelessly endeavor to transform their passion into prosperous businesses.”

Honoring innovation and entrepreneurship in Georgia’s food sector

Each submission in the Flavor of Georgia contest is included in the digital product directory, featuring a professional photograph and a brief description, which is viewed by prominent food industry buyers and media outlets. The 37 finalists received a tailored press release, the right to use the Flavor of Georgia finalist logo on their packaging and marketing materials, and a chance to present their offering to a panel of food industry authorities at the final evaluation event. Finalists were also awarded a one-year Georgia Grown membership, provided by the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

The grand prize victor received exhibition space at the Georgia Food Industry Association annual convention (valued at $1,500).

“Both food product startups and established companies encounter numerous difficulties in building their brands and products,” mentioned UGA FoodPIC Director Jim Gratzek. “We are excited to assist these companies on their journey to success by forming strategic partnerships with external marketing, technology, and engineering entities to help food businesses transition a new product from idea to consumer testing, formulation, prototyping, shelf-life evaluation, and market launch.”

To discover more about the contest, visit flavorofgeorgia.caes.uga.edu.

The article Lady Belle wins 2025 Flavor of Georgia food product contest first appeared on UGA Today.