CO Food Awards 2024

 

Announcing the Second Annual Colorado Food Awards.

Each year Colorado Food Works will recognize the most influential and promising businesses and individuals in Food and Beverage throughout Colorado. This exciting event is all about bringing attention to the rising stars and game-changers that are set to make waves in the market.

A best in class award and recognition by industry experts can serve as a catalyst creating opportunities for media attention and increased exposure with buyers and retailers.

Applications are CLOSED.

Winners of the Colorado Food Awards will be announced publicly with a live celebration on May 8th.

Nomination Process (CLOSED)

In support of our mission to empower Colorado’s food and beverage entrepreneurs and innovators, the Colorado Food Awards will be open to all Colorado Food Works members at no additional cost. Yes, you read that right, the application is FREE.

You simply need to be an active member of Colorado Food Works to participate (membership is $35/annually; see here for more details).

To apply you will fill out the nomination form and send product samples to Colorado Food Works following the sample instructions at the bottom of the nomination form.

Awards 

Nominees will be judged by a panel of food industry experts. Awards will be given in a live award ceremony on May 8th.

Brand Builder of the Year

Description: awarded to the individual who admirably drove the development of a brand and business this (last) year.

Criteria

  •  Key contributions to the brand’s development

  • Brand accomplishments in market or toward launch 

  •  Brand growth – revenue – social followers



Community Builder of the year

Description: Awarded to the person, people or company (brand or service provider) who devoted significant energy to help developing Colorado brands and the community of brands.

Criteria

  •  Regular, impactful involvement with brands and the community of food brands and people.

  •  Elevation of brand capability by bringing expertise to bear on behalf of Colorado food brands.



Brand of the Year

Description: Awarded to the brand that made the most significant impact and advancement during the year.

Criteria

Persuasive brand story:

  • Compelling brand/founder back-story

  • Unique and sustainable product attributes

  • Defined target market – who? How many?

  • Persuasive brand positioning

  • Marketing strategy and tactics that capture customers, customer awareness.

  • Well-defined goals and/or data regarding trial generation and especially repurchase

Revenue growth:

  • Actual and planned revenue growth preceding two years and planned ’24-’25 revenue – $$ and or percentage

Capital investment:

  • Current actual to-date and planned attainment of additional growth capital to support brand and revenue growth goals

Operations and service levels:

  • Current product production and plans to expand operations to meet growing demand

  • Current customer service levels and plans to maintain/improve

  • Well-defined strategy and tactics to gain distribution – customers and distributors by Class of Trade