Kansas City barbecue sauce really is in a class by itself, proven once again by Original Juan Specialty Foods’ winning a gold sofi award in the BBQ Sauce category at the Specialty Foods Association 2017 sofi awards competition.

Kettlewood Combustion Co. Pecanwood Smoke Bourbon and Vanilla BBQ Sauce is the product that received top honors, making it Original Juan’s second sofi for a barbecue sauce.

The sofi awards, which stands for Specialty Outstanding Food Innovation, include gold, silver, bronze and best new product in 39 categories. The blind tastings are judged on taste, texture, aroma, ingredient quality and originality.

The Specialty Food Association is a community of food artisans, purveyors, importers and entrepreneurs established in 1952.

“It is a great honor for our newest line of sauces to be awarded a sofi, let alone a gold,” said Joe Polo, president and CEO of Original Juan. “The hard work and creative minds in the organization continue to keep us on the cutting edge of the culinary world.”

Original Juan Specialty Foods, located in Kansas City, Kan., produces 160 products under 13 brands in the company’s 60,000-square-foot BRC Certified facility. The company celebrated its 20th anniversary this year in March. Original Juan products are sold throughout the U.S. and in more than 20 countries around the globe.

Original Juan is a Thinking Bigger Business Media Class of 2003 25 Under 25 alumni.