The Specialty Food Association’s annual Leadership Awards recognize individuals who are making waves in the specialty food industry through bold and positive leadership. Each year, one Award is given in each of six categories to a business leader who has made standout contributions in that area.


Past Leadership Award winners include Jeni Britton Bauer of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Adna Durran of Saffron Road, Pierre Thiam and Phil Teverow of Yolélé, Elizabeth Stein of Purely Elizabeth, Sam Mogannam of Bi-Rite Family of Businesses, and Caryl Levine of Lotus Foods. 


Meet the Past Winners

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  • 2021 Leadership award winner for Vision

    Pierre Thiam & Phil Teverow

    Yolélé
    2021
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  • 2020 Leadership award winner for Business Leadership

    Lorenza Pasetti

    Volpi Foods
    2020
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  • 2020 Leadership award winner for Citizenship

    Elizabeth Stein

    Purely Elizabeth
    2020
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  • 2020 Leadership award winner for Vision

    Natalie Shmulik

    The Hatchery, Chicago
    2020
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  • 2019 Leadership award winner for Business Leadership

    Miyoko Schinner

    Miyoko's
    2019
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  • 2019 Leadership award winner for Citizenship

    Lisa Curtis

    Kuli Kuli
    2019
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  • 2019 Leadership award winner for Vision

    Patrick Mateer

    Seal the Seasons
    2019
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  • 2018 Leadership award winner for Business Leadership

    Christopher J. Patton

    Midwest Elderberry Cooperative and River Hills Harvest Marketers
    2018
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  • 2018 Leadership award winner for Business Leadership

    Meg Barnhart

    The Zen of Slow Cooking
    2018
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  • 2018 Leadership award winner for Citizenship

    Ryan Emmons

    Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Water
    2018
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