The Alberta Food Processors Association (AFPA) is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Alberta Food & Beverage Awards. These outstanding Alberta-made products showcase excellence in taste, innovation, and craftsmanship across 16 diverse categories.

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and finalists!  Explore their products and more at www.madeinalberta.co

Alcohol – Beer & Ale

1️⃣ Dog Island Brewing: Saints and Sinners IPA

2️⃣ Good Mood Brewing Inc.: Hefeweizen

3️⃣ Northfolk Cider: Blackberry

Alcohol – Pre-Mix / RTD

1️⃣  ByHendo The Cocktail Company: Shaft Espresso Cocktail

2️⃣  City & Country Winery Ltd.: Unbottled Canned Wine

3️⃣  Good Mood Brewery Inc.: Earl Grey Lemon Sparkling Hard Tea

Alcohol – Spirits

1️⃣  Calderra /Highwood Distillers: Sweet Sippin Maple Whisky

2️⃣  Burwood Distillery: The Smooth Talker Bur-Bon style Whisky

2️⃣  Burwood Distillery: Bee Whisperer Alberta Whisky

Bakery

1️⃣  Crust Craft: Panaji Jalapeno Cheddar Naan Minis

2️⃣  Modern Whisk: Cake Base Mix

3️⃣  Wow! Factor: Cookie Butter Cheesecake

Beverage – Coffee & Tea

1️⃣  Elk and Owl: Forbidden Peak

2️⃣  Elk and Owl: Medium Roast Maze Peak

3️⃣  Kingdom Coffee: Awake Espresso Blend

Beverage – Non-Alcoholic / Non-Dairy

1️⃣  The Grizzly Paw Pub & Brewing Company Ltd: Grape Soda

2️⃣  Canadian Heritage Roasting Company: Flash Fuel Organic Instant Coffee

3️⃣  Happy Belly Kombucha: Mango Kombucha

Condiments & Sauces

1️⃣  Black Sheep Bacon Jam: Original Flavour (TIE)

1️⃣ Monster Foods Inc.: Shorty’s Garlic Hot Honey (TIE)

3️⃣  Twisted Fork: Blueberry Jalapeño Jam

Dairy – Cheese

1️⃣  Peaks & Pasture: Water Buffalo Italian Gouda

2️⃣  Vital Green Farms Ltd.: Organic Mild Gouda

3️⃣  Sylvan Star Cheese: Beer and Mustard Gouda

Dairy – Frozen / Cultured

1️⃣  Foothills Creamery: Cowboy Whipped Butter

2️⃣  Chinook Cheese Ltd.: Labneh (Strained Yogurt)

3️⃣  Terroir Artisan Butter: Cultured Sea Salt Butter

Grains & Growers

1️⃣  Onie Granola

2️⃣  Local Growing Technologies: Alberta Grown Genovese Basil

3️⃣  High Mountain Granola Inc.: Classic Honey Granola

Meat & Seafood

1️⃣  Soleterra d’Italia Ltd.: Applewood Smoked Peppered Bacon

2️⃣  Intercity Packers Meat & Seafood: Fully Cooked Certified Angus Beef Ribs

3️⃣  Top Grass Cattle Co.: Top Grass Cattle Co. Hot Dogs

Most Innovative Product

1️⃣  Bae Food Group Ltd.: Ramen Plus – Chashu (Shelf-Stable Ramen Topping)

2️⃣  Foothills Creamery: Protein Ice Cream

3️⃣  Miskamasowin Foods Inc.: Strawberry Bannock Mix

Oils & Seasoning

1️⃣  Uncle Hemmy BBQ Ltd: Uncle Hemmy’s Peachin’ Ain’t Easy

2️⃣  Uncle Hemmy BBQ Ltd: Uncle Hemmy’s: Honey I Smoked The Garlic

3️⃣  BlondieQue Spices

Prepared Meals

1️⃣  Green Onion Cake Man: Green Onion Cake

2️⃣  Aliya’s Foods Ltd. : Chef Bombay Chicken Biryani

3️⃣  Flat Out Feasts: Freeze-Dried Cheesy Chicken Casserole

Snack Foods

1️⃣  Teja Food Group: Holy Fudge Frozen RTE Brownies

2️⃣  Going Nuts: Honey Cashews

3️⃣  Thousand Market Inc. (DBA Goodbake): Crunchy Brownie Bites

Sweets & Candy

1️⃣  Foothills Creamery: Protein Ice Cream

2️⃣  Eagle Hill Farms: Haskap Bar

3️⃣  Thousand Market Inc. (DBA Goodbake) : Crunchy Brownie Bites

2026 Legacy Awards

AFPA is proud to honour two incredible contributors with our 2026 Legacy Awards — celebrating the lasting impact of those who’ve helped shape Alberta’s food and beverage industry through vision, dedication, and leadership.

The Melody Pashko Award

The Melody Pashko Leadership Award recognizes a passionate, hardworking team or team member who embodies dedication, positivity, and unwavering support for Alberta-made food and the people behind it.

2026 Recipient: Jodi Simmons, Account Manager, Olaf Packaging Group

Visit Olaf Packaging

Jodi joined Olaf Packaging 27 years ago and has become an integral part of the company’s success. For many customers and suppliers, Jodi is Olaf Packaging. Through nearly three decades of dedication, she has managed the company’s supply chain with remarkable competence, professionalism, and an unwavering positive attitude.

What makes Jodi truly deserving of this recognition is not only the work she does, but the way she does it. Dependable, knowledgeable, and always willing to help, she approaches every challenge with the same can-do spirit that has earned her the respect of colleagues, customers, and industry partners alike.

Like Melody Pashko, Jodi exemplifies quiet leadership, steadfast commitment, and a genuine dedication to supporting those around her. Her contributions may often happen behind the scenes, but their impact is felt throughout the organization and beyond.

As her nominator put it best: “We wouldn’t be where we are without her.”

Congratulations, Jodi, and thank you for 27 years of outstanding service, dedication, and support to Alberta’s food and beverage industry.

The Eric Haak Leadership Award

Established in 2024 to honour our Board Chair and Sunrise Bakery partner, this award recognizes a leader who embodies integrity, dedication, and passion.

2026 Recipient: Jerry Bouma, Chair of the Advisory Board, The Little Potato Company

Visit The Little Potato Company

Jerry’s leadership on the Board of The Little Potato Company reflects the very spirit of this award. Through his guidance and strategic insight, he has helped support the growth of a proudly Canadian company that has become a leader in innovation, quality, and global reach, while strengthening Alberta’s broader agricultural and food ecosystem.

What truly sets Jerry apart is his approach to leadership. He leads with integrity, humility, and a genuine commitment to people. Deeply respected by his peers, Jerry is known for creating space for others to grow, contribute, and succeed. His ability to balance strong business acumen with compassionate leadership has made him a trusted advisor and mentor within our industry.

Jerry is also a quiet but powerful champion for the future of Alberta’s food sector. He understands the importance of supporting emerging businesses and fostering an environment where innovation can thrive. His willingness to share knowledge, offer guidance, and invest his time in others reflects a deep commitment to building a stronger, more resilient industry for generations to come.

In many ways, Jerry embodies the legacy of Eric Haak — a leader who not only drives success but also lifts others along the way.

Congratulations, Jerry, and thank you for your lasting contributions to Alberta’s food and beverage industry.

About the Alberta Food & Beverage Awards

The Alberta Food & Beverage Awards, presented by the Alberta Food Processors Association (AFPA), celebrate excellence, innovation, and local pride across Alberta’s food and beverage industry.

Award Criteria

Products are evaluated by a panel of expert judges using a standardized scoring system based on the following five criteria:

  • Product Quality (in its prepared state)
  • Taste
  • Appearance
  • Packaging & Overall Appeal
  • Unique Selling Features

To qualify, all entries must meet Made in Alberta program eligibility requirements— meaning final processing must occur within Alberta or the primary ingredient must be locally sourced.

Judging

Each year, a diverse panel of judges is assembled, including:

  • Retail Buyers & Category Specialists
  • Food Scientists & Culinary Experts
  • Marketing & Branding Professionals
  • AFPA Board Members & Industry Advisors

2025 Food & Beverage Award Winners
2024 Food & Beverage Award Winners