Independent New York artisan brand earns recognition alongside established names in the specialty food industry.
NEW YORK, NY, October 21, 2026 – UMIKAH, a New York-based artisan brand specializing in premium fruit curds and spreads, is proud to announce that two of its creations, Yuzu & Lime Curd and Tropical Curd, have been named Gold Award finalists in the Specialty Food Association’s (SFA) 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.
“As a small, independently owned artisan brand, being recognized alongside much larger, established companies is an incredible honor,” said Luciana Uchi Davidzon, founder of UMIKAH. “Having two products selected as Gold Award finalists makes this recognition even more meaningful. It’s a reminder that exceptional flavor, quality ingredients, and passion can stand alongside the biggest names in the industry.”
UMIKAH’s Yuzu & Lime Curd and Tropical Curd 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 UMIKAH and all the 2027 finalists, we can’t wait to celebrate you at Winter FancyFaire®!”
Two Distinctive Flavors, One Commitment to Excellence
Yuzu & Lime Curd was originally introduced as a limited release before becoming a customer favorite and earning a permanent place in UMIKAH’s signature collection. Combining the floral complexity of Japanese yuzu with the refreshing brightness of lime, it delivers a sophisticated citrus experience with a silky, luxurious texture. Previously recognized as a 2026 sofi Award finalist, the product has now earned its second consecutive nomination.
Tropical Curd brings together mango, passion fruit, pineapple, and lime in a vibrant, creamy creation inspired by tropical flavors and warm-weather moments. Its bright, beautifully balanced flavors and luxurious texture make it a versatile addition to everything from breakfast and yogurt to pavlovas and sophisticated desserts.
Both products reflect UMIKAH’s commitment to culinary creativity, real ingredients, and exceptional flavor.
Buyers will also be able to sample select sofi Award finalists onsite at First Taste Table during Winter FancyFaire® 2027.
A Growing Presence in the Specialty Food Industry
UMIKAH’s products are available at New York specialty retailers, including Union Market, Fulton Stall Market, and Kalustyan’s, as well as independent specialty stores across the United States.
The brand has also attracted media attention, earning coverage in Martha Stewart and amNewYork.
For founder Luciana Uchi Davidzon, a professionally trained pastry chef with a background in business and food media, the recognition reinforces the vision that inspired her to create UMIKAH.
“This honor reinforces my belief that there is room in the specialty food industry for independent brands with a distinctive culinary point of view,” said Davidzon. “My goal is to bring UMIKAH to a wider audience while preserving the craftsmanship, creativity, and exceptional quality that define our products.”
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 UMIKAH and its award-finalist products, visit www.umikah.com or follow the brand on Instagram at @umikahnewyork.
About UMIKAH
Founded by professionally trained pastry chef and former business executive Luciana Uchi Davidzon, UMIKAH is a New York-based, woman-owned artisan food company specializing in premium fruit curds and spreads handcrafted in small batches.
Inspired by travels, memories, and culinary traditions from around the world, UMIKAH combines real ingredients, professional pastry techniques, and unexpected flavor pairings to create vibrant, sophisticated curds with a luxurious texture.
Designed for curious food lovers, passionate home bakers, and pastry professionals alike, UMIKAH’s creations bring an elevated touch to everything from breakfast and cheese boards to pastries and desserts.
UMIKAH has earned recognition as a sofi Award finalist in both 2026 and 2027.
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 UMIKAH
Luciana Uchi Davidzon
Founder, UMIKAH
[email protected]
www.umikah.com
Instagram: @umikahnewyork
Media Contact for the Specialty Food Association
[email protected]