The Sconi

Members of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection's (DATCP) Something Special from Wisconsin (SSfW) program received a significant number of awards at the 2025 Wisconsin State Fair Grand Champion Eats and Treats competition. The SSfW program participants won 31 out of 43 total awards, including the Best of Show honor.

Lois Federman, director of the SSfW program, acknowledged both the winners and those who took part in this year's competition. “We congratulate all the winners and participants of the 2025 Grand Champion Eats and Treats competition," said Federman. “Thank you to the Wisconsin State Fair staff who work to ensure this event is a success and provide an outlet through which Something Special from Wisconsin businesses can showcase their culinary creations. These products are not just items on a shelf; they are a testament to the hard work and creativity of local artisans and farmers who take pride in their craft. Bearing the Something Special logo is a mark of quality that brings instant recognition and credibility to products."

The Grand Champion Eats and Treats contest is designed for professional food businesses in Wisconsin with annual sales under $1 million. This focus gives small- to mid-sized food processing companies an opportunity for recognition within various categories such as Delightful Dips, Firey Flavors, Fruit Fiesta, Garden Goodies, Marvelous Mixes, Satisfying Snacks, Spice It Up, Superb Sips, Supreme Sauces, Sweet Sensations, as well as special honors like Best of Something Special from Wisconsin and Best in Show.

A variety of SSfW member companies were recognized for their achievements across these categories. Among them were Bucket of Bread from La Crosse; Confections for Any Occasion based in Theresa; Dashelito's Hot Sauces located in Madison; Emmanuel's Mix LLC from Milwaukee; Fazio's Chocolate in Elm Grove; Gold Coast Candy LLC out of Appleton; It's Poppin'! LLC from Westfield; Lazy Eye Hot Sauce based in Antigo; Mister Burns LLC located in Green Bay; Pleasant's Best Sauces from Minocqua; Pop's Kettle Corn situated in Muskego; and Starla's Seasonings, Dips & Mixes operating out of Belgium.

Specific winning entries included Dashelito’s Jalachimi Sauce earning third place in Supreme Sauces while its Dilly Hot Sauce placed second among Firey Flavors. Pleasant’s Best Sauces was awarded first place for GR8 Pepper Sauce under Firey Flavors as well as first place—and Best Of—for Cranberry Bourbon BBQ sauce within Supreme Sauces. Starla’s Seasonings also saw multiple recognitions: Key Lime Pie secured first place among Delightful Dips while Garlic & Herb Beer Bread Mix led Marvelous Mixes.

The full list of results is available on the official State Fair website at https://wistatefair.com/competitions/competitive-exhibits-specialty-contests-judging-results.

The SSfW program helps support local producers by giving them branding opportunities that distinguish their goods throughout Wisconsin marketplaces. More information about participating companies or becoming involved with Something Special from Wisconsin can be found at www.somethingspecialwi.com.