Judges selected 33 products to compete in the final round of the University of Georgia’s 2019 Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest set for March 19 in Atlanta.

The contest is the state’s premier proving ground for small, upstart food companies as well as time-honored products. This year’s finalists represent all corners of the state and the best of Georgia’s diverse culinary heritage.

The finalists passed the first round of judging and were selected from a field of 138 products in 11 categories.

Finalists will bring their products to Atlanta for the final round of judging, which will be held in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Agriculture's Agriculture Awareness Week celebration, set for March 18-22. Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black has designated March 19 as Flavor of Georgia Day.

“Once again, the level of innovation and talent represented in our contest has left us amazed and excited for things to come,” said Sharon P. Kane, contest coordinator and economist with the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences’ (CAES) Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development.

“Georgia is home to some of the most creative minds in the food business, and the Flavor of Georgia contest is our yearly reminder of how lucky we are to live in a state that values entrepreneurship and good food.”

A food business development specialist, Kane and her center colleagues have organized the annual contest since 2007.

Judges for the final round of the contest will include food brokers, grocery buyers and other food-industry experts. Judges evaluate entries by category based on their Georgia theme, commercial appeal, taste, innovation and market potential. Contestants will provide samples to judges and pitch their products in a “Shark Tank”-style presentation. Finalists will be named in each category, and a grand prize winner and People’s Choice Award winner will be named.

This year’s finalists are listed by company, product name and city. All entries are from Georgia-based businesses.

Barbecue Sauces:

Aubs Company LLC, AubSauce, Decatur

Byne Blueberry Farms Inc., Blueberry Barbecue Sauce, Waynesboro

Chinese Southern Belle, Wild Wild East Asian BBQ Teriyaki Pineapple, Smyrna

Beverages:

FreshKiss Tea, Hibiscus Kombucha, Palmetto

Montane Sparkling Spring Water, Grapefruit Peach, Atlanta

Nectar Foods Two Inc., Nectar Ready To Blend Smoothies, Decatur

Condiments & Salsas:

Abby J's Gourmet, Blackhawk Smokin' Hot Pickled Okra, Clarkesville

Built By Bees, Tupelo Balsamic Vinegar, Atlanta

Pine Street Market, Bacon Jam, Avondale Estates

Confections:

A Cacao Affair, Macarons, Marietta

FarmHouse PoundCakes LLC, Luscious Lemon, Cornelia

Pie Provisions, Georgia Blueberry Pie Filling, Kennesaw

Dairy Products:

Pine Street Market, Pimento Cheese, Avondale Estates

Smith Family Dairy Farm, Silly Goat Cheese, Norman Park

Suga's Enterprises LLC, Smoked Gouda Pimento Cheese, Powder Springs

Honey & Related Products:

Built By Bees, Blueberry Whipped Honey, Atlanta

Classic City Bee Company, Smoked Honey, Athens

H. L. Franklin's Healthy Honey, Creamed Honey with Chocolate, Statesboro

Jams & Jellies:

Elusive Jams LLC, Fig Bourbon Jam, White

Fairywood Thicket Farm, Phenomenal Cosmic Strawberry Jam, Fairburn

Savy Confections, Black Cherry Pecan Jam, Fairburn

Meats & Seafood:

Epting Events, Beef Short Ribs, Athens

Jensen Reserve, Coppa Roast, Loganville

Pouch Pies, Chicken, Butternut, Leek & Thyme Pie, Norcross

Miscellaneous:

Georgia Grinders, Pecan-Peanut Butter, Atlanta

Hunter Cattle, Farm Boy's Cane Syrup, Brooklet

Olive Orchards of Georgia, Olive Oil, Quitman

Sauces & Seasonings:

Bacon's Heir, Pork Panko, Chamblee

Beautiful Briny Sea, Gun Powder Finishing Salt, Atlanta

Kay's Cookery, Habeeb's Honey Braised Sauce, Lawrenceville

Snack Foods:

Bodacious Food Company, Mama Geraldine's Pimento Cheese Straws, Jasper

Hardy's Peanuts Inc., Delicious Dill Pickle Party Peanuts, Hawkinsville

The Religious Nuts Company, Cin-Amen, Atlanta