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Battle of the Brands: Hummustir Triumphant in Specialty Food Association Front Burner Competition

NEW YORK, Feb. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Hummustir, a new take on deconstructed hummus, was recently awarded first place for most innovative product at the first-ever Front Burner Foodservice Pitch Competition. The event occurred in San Francisco at the 42nd Winter Fancy Food Show, and was hosted by the Foodservice Council of the Specialty Food Association.

Hummustir provides the consumer with cooked chickpea puree, toasted tahini, and simple spices in a 12-ounce container, or in 3- to 5-pound sizes for foodservice. Flavors include Classic, Mediterranean, and Village. The product was launched in mid-2016 by Baruvi Fresh LLC co-founders Alon Kruvi, Rakesh Barmecha and Vineet Bokaria. "We are a brand new company, we just launched, and this is very exciting for us," said Kruvi, who gave the pitch to the judges. "It's been a few years to make this innovative product come to life and we couldn't be more proud.  We're very grateful to the Specialty Food Association for allowing us to have this opportunity."

"The Front Burner Competition gave new brands, like Hummustir, the opportunity to get real world business building experience," said Phil Kafarakis, President, Specialty Food Association. "We were all incredibly impressed and excited with Alon Kruvi's product and presentation and look forward to seeing them for years to come in the industry."

Kruvi and Hummustir were among three finalists who went through a rigorous application and presentation process. The panel of judges included such foodservice experts as Massimiliano Conti, Chef and Owner of La Ciccia; Todd Carell, VP of Sales and Procurement for Food Innovations; Kim Alter, Chef and Owner of Nightbird and Linden Room; and Clark Guittard, International Director and Brand Manager of Guittard Chocolates. Criteria included innovation, quality and readiness for the foodservice industry.

About the Specialty Food Association:
The Specialty Food Association is a thriving community of food artisans, importers and entrepreneurs. Established in 1952 in New York, the not-for-profit trade association provides its 3,400 members in the U.S. and abroad with resources, knowledge and connections to champion and nurture their companies in an always-evolving marketplace. The Association owns and produces the Winter and Summer Fancy Food Shows, and presents the sofi Awards honoring excellence in specialty food. Learn more at specialtyfood.com.

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SOURCE Specialty Food Association

For further information: PR Department, 646-878-0130, press@specialtyfood.com