New Windsor, NY, November 11, 2025 Cafe Spice, maker of authentic, globally inspired ready-to-eat meals, is proud to announce that its Coconut Rice has been named a Finalist for the Specialty Food Association’s 2026 sofi Awards, 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 tremendous honor for us,” said Sameer Malhotra, CEO and Co-Founder of Cafe Spice.. “It’s a testament to our commitment to crafting authentic, high-quality global meals that bring people together through flavor and culture.”
Coconut Rice 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 Cafe Spice and all the 2026 sofi Award Finalists!”
Cafe Spice’s Coconut Rice is prepared with rich coconut milk, fragrant bay leaves and fresh ginger, creating a subtly spiced, creamy side that complements any protein or vegetable. Naturally dairy-free, gluten-free and plant-based, it embodies our dedication to global flavor and flexible eating occasions.
The recognition comes after a busy and productive year for Cafe Spice, marked by expanded retail distribution, new product innovation, and continued investment in sustainable packaging and ingredient sourcing. Over the past six months, the brand has launched new globally inspired rice sides, strengthened partnerships with major retailers, and introduced new team members focused on culinary innovation and growth.
“This accolade is proof of our commitment to expanding into new retail channels in 2025,” Malhotra said. “In the coming months, you can expect to see exciting product launches and expansion into new categories as we continue bringing globally inspired meals to more tables nationwide.”
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 Cafe Spice and Coconut Rice, visit www.cafespice.com or follow on Instagram or Facebook at @cafespice.
About Cafe Spice:
Founded in 1998 in New York by restaurateur Sushil Malhotra and his son Sameer, Cafe Spice brings bold, authentic global meals into homes. The company produces a wide variety of chef-crafted, ready-to-eat meals—from Indian curries and Asian cuisine to plant-based and gluten-free options—and distributes them nationwide from its state-of-the-art Hudson Valley, New York facilities. Committed to culinary creativity and food safety, Cafe Spice uses high-quality, non-GMO ingredients and maintains rigorous standards throughout production.
Cafe Spice has been recognized for excellence in the industry, earning the 2024 Supplier All-Star Award by Whole Foods Market in the Perishables/Prepared Foods category, the Refrigerated & Frozen Foods Processor of the Year 2024 award, and having its Chicken Tikka Masala with Saffron Rice named a sofi Award winner in 2020/2021.
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 Cafe Spice:
Marissa Piskun
Director of Marketing
[email protected]