Raleigh, NC, Nov 12, 2026 – Jabin Beverage Company maker of natural electrolyte refreshers based on ancient Persian recipe is proud to announce that its Cucumber Mint Jabin has been named a finalist for the Specialty Food Association (SFA)’s 2027 sofi Awards, an annual celebration of the best specialty food products of the year.
Standing for “specialty outstanding food innovation,” the sofi Awards have put a spotlight on excellence in specialty food and beverage since 1972.
“The recognition as a sofi Gold Award finalist is a huge honor for us” said Homayoon Ershadi, Founder. “Seeing this beverage that growing up, my mom would make for us, now stand out on the national stage is a great signal as we share this product with more people.
Cucumber Mint Jabin stood out among more than 1,000 entries, judged by an expert panel of specialty food buyers in a rigorous blind tasting process. Products were evaluated based on flavor, appearance, texture, aroma, ingredient quality, and innovation. 75 products that received the highest marks across these criteria advanced as Gold Award finalists.
SFA will announce the 2027 sofi Award winners live in a special ceremony on January 17 at the Winter FancyFaire* trade show in San Francisco. Additionally, the three-day show will elevate all 75 finalists through a special product showcase and curated buyer opportunities.
“Each year, our expert judges are blown away by the craft, quality, and innovation of the sofi Award finalists, who set the tone for the industry in the coming year,” said Bill Lynch, president of SFA. “Congratulations to Jabin Beverage Company and all the 2027 finalists, we can’t wait to celebrate you at Winter FancyFaire*!”
Cucumber Mint is where Jabin started. Sekanjabin is a Persian drink with centuries of history, built on vinegar, herbs, and a touch of sweetness, and this is the version Homayoon grew up on. We still make it the same way: fresh-brewed mint, juiced cucumbers, unfiltered organic apple cider vinegar, a pinch of pink Himalayan salt, and cane sugar.
Attendees at Winter FancyFaire* 2027 can sample Cucumber Mint Jabin onsite at First Taste Table.
The recognition comes after a busy and productive year for Jabin Beverage Company. Earlier in the year they released their newest flavor, Tart Cherry, which brings an ingredient that’s equally loved in Persian cuisine and endurance sports to their lineup. Most recently they have been seeing a big surge of support on social media platforms like Instagram for their content.
The sofi Awards are considered the top honor in the $219-billion specialty food industry. Past winners include 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 Jabin Beverage Company and Cucumber Mint Jabin, visit DrinkJabin.com or follow on Instagram or Facebook at @DrinkJabin.
About Jabin Beverage Company
Jabin Beverage Company is reimagining one of the oldest Persian beverages for today’s athletes and adventurers. Inspired by the traditional drink Sekanjabin, Jabin combines real fruit, herbs, organic apple cider vinegar with the mother, and pink Himalayan salt into refreshing beverages that celebrate Persian culture while delivering functional hydration. The company’s mission is to fuel today’s hardest-working athletes and adventurers with clean-label beverages inspired by proven ancient recipes and made with thoughtfully sourced ingredients.
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 4,800 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 oversees the Good Food Mercantile, Good Food Qualification, and Good Food Awards, celebrating tasty, authentic, responsibly crafted food and the people behind it. Find out more at Specialtyfood.com, and connect with SFA on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
Media Contact For Jabin Beverage Company:
Homayoon Ershadi
Founder
[email protected]
Media Contact for the Specialty Food Association:
[email protected]