New York, NY October 15, 2025 - Bessou, Japanese food brand with NYC restaurant and a line of artisanal popcorn and pantry seasonings, is proud to announce that its FURIKAKE Umami Sprinkle Seasoning has been named a Finalist for the Specialty Food Association’s 2026 sofi Awards in the dry seasonings category, a distinguished honor recognizing the best specialty food products of the year.
The annual sofi Awards have celebrated excellence and innovation in specialty food since 1972. This year’s winners will be announced live in a ceremony at the Specialty Food Association (SFA)’s newest trade show, Winter FancyFaire*, January 11-13, 2026, in San Diego, California.
“Being recognized as a sofi Finalist is a dream come true for us” said Maiko, Founder of Bessou. “It’s proof that hard work pays off, and that if you pursue the dreams and flavors you are passionate about, people will respond.”
FURIKAKE Umami Sprinkle Seasoning stood out among more than 1,200 entries, judged by a panel of specialty food buyers in a blind tasting. Products were evaluated based on flavor, appearance, texture, aroma, ingredient quality, and innovation.
“There are thousands of food and beverage products that are sold on store shelves and yet amidst the multitude of options, these finalists have risen above their peers to receive top scores from our expert judging panel of buyers,” said Bill Lynch, president of the Specialty Food Association. “Congratulations to Bessou and all the 2026 sofi Award Finalists!”
Bessou’s Furikake blends savory toasted sesame, umami-rich seaweed, and a hint of flaky salt for a salty, sweet, briny, nutty, crunchy and addictive finish that elevates everything from rice to popcorn. Inspired by the founder’s love for simple Japanese home cooking, we created it to bring that everyday comfort flavor into more homes and to make every meal a little more joyful.
And in case you're wondering, it's pronounced "foo-ree-kah-kay".
Attendees at Winter FancyFaire* 2026 can sample Bessou’s Furikake Umami Sprinkle Seasoning at a sampling before the Sofi Awards on Monday, January 12th at 2PM, and at the First Taste Table on Tuesday, January 13 at 12PM.
The recognition comes after a busy and productive year for Bessou. We are now sold at many major airports including JFK, LGA, Newark, and Raleigh-Durham International Airport! We have been preparing for our second restaurant location to open in Winter/Spring 2026.
“This accolade will help us expand into new retail channels in 2026” Kyogoku said. In the coming months you can expect to see our furikake and other pantry and snack goods in more stores across the country.
The sofi Awards are considered the top honor in the $219-billion specialty food industry. Past winners have included some of today’s most recognizable and successful brands such as Ben & Jerry’s, Kettle Chips, Fage Yogurt, Stonewall Kitchen and Vermont Creamery
For more information on Bessou and Furikake Umami Sprinkle Seasoning, visit bessou.nyc or follow on Instagram or Facebook at bessounyc.
About Bessou:
Bessou was founded in 2016 as a beloved neighborhood restaurant in Lower Manhattan and has since evolved into a modern Japanese food brand rooted in comfort, quality, and umami-forward flavor. Today, Bessou produces pantry-ready products including its signature furikake and Japanese-inspired snacks and seasonings, made with thoughtfully sourced ingredients and designed for everyday use. With distribution across national retail and direct-to-consumer, and a second restaurant location opening at JFK Terminal 4 in Winter/Spring 2026, Bessou brings strong brand recognition and proven demand from hospitality into retail. As the brand evolves, Bessou is focused on building a modern Japanese pantry—bringing everyday comfort and thoughtful craftsmanship to kitchens nationwide while meeting growing consumer demand for globally inspired, premium food brands.
About the Specialty Food Association:
The Specialty Food Association (SFA) was founded in 1952 and is the not-for-profit trade association of the $219-billion specialty food industry. Representing more than 4,000 businesses worldwide, SFA champions industry participation and success for a diverse community of makers, buyers, importers, distributors, and service providers by producing events, programs, and year-round resources and education. SFA owns and operates the Summer Fancy Food Show, Winter FancyFaire*, and the sofi™ Awards, which have honored excellence in specialty food and beverage annually since 1972. SFA also produces the e-newsletter Specialty Food SmartBrief, the Trendspotter Panel annual predictions and Show reports. Find out more at Specialtyfood.com, and connect with SFA on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X.
Media Contact For Bessou:
Maiko Kyogoku
Founder
[email protected]
Media Contact for the Specialty Food Association: