Twelve Colorado Artisans Recognized as Good Food Awards Finalists

The Good Food Awards announced the finalists for the 2016 edition of the prestigious craft food competition that recognizes "the best from America's growing movement of talented and socially responsible food crafters." Colorado is represented by 12 food artisans that scored in multiple categories from charcuterie to coffee.

Here is who they are:

Charcuterie: Avalanche Cheese Co. for its Pork and Goat Finocchiona.

Cheese: Avalanche Cheese Co. for the Hand Bandaged Cheddar & Cabra Blanca and James Ranch Artisan Cheese for its Belford.

Cider: Big B's Hard Cider for its Pear Supply; Orchard Original; and Grizzly Brand.

Coffee: Commonwealth Coffee for two coffees -  Kenya Gatundu Karinga Lot #160 AA, Panama Carmen EstateWashed Geisha.

Confections: JJ's Sweets Cocomels for the Palm Sugar Cocomel.

Honey: Bee Squared Apiaries for its Rose Honey.

Pantry: Decadence Gourmet for its Colorado-Style Southern Chow Chow.

Pickles: Ozuke for its Bloody Mary Kraut and Ruby Calendula Kraut.

Preserves: Modern Gingham Preserves for the Raspberry Violet jam.

Spirits: Marble Distilling Company for the Moonlight EXpresso.

With nearly 2,000 entries, this year's crop of products increased by a third than in years before. There are 13 categories, ranging from cider to confections to pantry, which are judged by 215 judges to confirm they met specific Good Food Awards standards around "environmentally sound agriculture practices, good animal husbandry, transparency, and responsible relationships throughout the supply chain."

The winners will be announced Friday, January 15, 2016, at a gala Awards Ceremony at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture in San Francisco.