Startup CPG Newswire:
Hazy Fudge Named 2026 sofi Gold Finalist in Chocolate & Confections
PRESS RELEASE — NEWS PROVIDED BY Carol Fitzgerald for Hazy Fudge
DUNDEE, NY (DECEMBER 2025) — Hazy Fudge, a woman-owned specialty food company, has been named a 2026 sofi Gold Finalist by the Specialty Food Association, placing it among three finalists in the Chocolate & Confections category from over 1,200 national entries.
The sofi Awards (specialty outstanding food innovation) represent the specialty food industry’s highest recognition for product excellence. Finalists are selected by a panel of specialty food buyers and industry professionals evaluating taste, quality, appearance, and innovation across 49 product categories.
“There are thousands of food and beverage products 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.
Hazy Fudge produces alcohol-infused spoonable fudge containing 5% ABV through a patent-pending emulsion process that maintains product stability and texture. The company offers two varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon fudge made with Finger Lakes wine and Bourbon fudge made with regional spirits, both blended with New York dairy and Belgian chocolate.
The products are packaged in 1.9-ounce glass jars and sold in two-packs. The company sources 55-60% of ingredients from New York producers, including milk from O-AT-KA Dairy Cooperative (representing 200 farm families), wine from Glenora Wine Cellars, and spirits from Black Button Distillery.
Since launching commercial sales in June 2024, Hazy Fudge has expanded to 25+ retail locations throughout New York, including Official Taste NY stores.
Founder Carol Fitzgerald, who established the company at age 67, completed Cornell University’s Dairy Runway and Food Spark programs, which provided technical validation and regulatory guidance for scaling production. The company also completed the Seed Spot Emerging Brand Accelerator and the Specialty Food Association’s Maker Prep Course.
Hazy Fudge partners with Candyland, a local co-packer, for production and contracts with Glen Co-pack (operated by The Arc of Chemung-Schuyler) for fulfillment services.
“We developed a process that solves technical challenges in alcohol-infused confections while showcasing regional agriculture,” said Fitzgerald. “This recognition validates our approach to connecting New York dairy farms with the Finger Lakes beverage industry.”
Winners will be announced at the Winter Fancy Food Show in San Diego, January 11-13, 2026. Hazy Fudge will exhibit at the Debut District Maker Prep Pavillion, booth #939B and participate in both the Sensorial Flavor Pod and Buyers First Taste Table programming.
About Hazy Fudge
Hazy Fudge, LLC is a woman-owned, family-operated specialty food company based in Dundee, NY. The company produces small-batch, alcohol-infused spoonable fudge (up to 5% ABV), crafted with NY-sourced ingredients, ethically sourced chocolate, and Finger Lakes wine and spirits. Designed to be enjoyed straight from the jar or incorporated into drinks and desserts, Hazy Fudge elevates everyday indulgence with wooden spoons in every box. An Official Taste NY product, the company sources more than half its ingredients from New York farms and producers.
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