sofi™ Gold Award Winner: Janet’s Finest Compotes Sets the Standard in Spreads, Jams, Jellies Category
January 15, 2026 | 3 min to read
Beloved sweet-and-spicy pioneer honored for excellence, innovation, and 30 years of craftsmanship
SAN DIEGO, CA – Janet’s Finest Compotes, maker of small-batch fruit compotes with a signature jalapeño twist, is proud to announce that its Peach Berry Jalapeño Compote has won a sofi™ Gold Award at the 2026 Specialty Food Association Winter FancyFaire. The sofi™ Gold Award represents the highest honor in the specialty food industry and recognizes outstanding taste, craftsmanship, and innovation.
This top honor comes during a milestone year for Janet’s Finest Compotes, which is celebrating 30 years of defining the sweet-and-spicy preserves category and building trusted relationships with independent grocers and specialty retailers nationwide.
From Finalist to Gold: A Flavor That Stands Out
Peach Berry Jalapeño Compote stood out among more than 1,200 entries, evaluated in blind tastings by a panel of specialty food buyers. Products were judged on flavor, appearance, texture, aroma, ingredient quality, and innovation.
Crafted from ripe peaches, mixed berries, and a subtle touch of jalapeño heat, the compote exemplifies Janet’s Finest’s hallmark balance of fruit-forward sweetness and gentle spice. Its versatility makes it a premium addition to cheese boards, glazes, baked goods, and entertaining, reflecting growing consumer demand for elevated, multi-use condiments with bold flavor profiles.
“We’re incredibly honored by this recognition from the Specialty Food Association,” said Janet, founder and original recipe creator. “This flavor has always been one of my favorites. It’s the perfect balance of sweet fruit and just a hint of jalapeño heat. Seeing it recognized at this level, especially in our 30th year, is deeply meaningful.”
Three Decades of Trust and a New Generation of Leadership
Today, Janet’s Finest Compotes is owned and operated by Janet’s daughters, Jessica Amel and Angela Kmeck, who continue the family legacy with a focus on quality, innovation, and long-standing retail partnerships across the specialty and natural food landscape.
“Celebrating 30 years and winning a sofi™ Gold Award in the same season is incredibly special,” said Angela Kmeck, co-owner. “This recognition validates the care and craftsmanship behind every jar, and the support we’ve received from our retail partners and loyal customers over the years. Jessica and I are proud to build on the foundation our mom created.”
Celebrating at Winter FancyFaire
Janet’s Finest Compotes is exhibiting at the 2026 Winter FancyFaire in San Diego, where attendees sampled the award-winning Peach Berry Jalapeño Compote and celebrated the brand’s milestone year. A 30th Anniversary Toast was held on Sunday, January 11th, with a special appearance by Janet, honoring the flavors that started it all and the community that supported the brand from the beginning.
As Janet’s Finest looks ahead, the sofi™ Gold Award underscores what fans and retailers have known for decades: thoughtful craftsmanship, bold flavor, and family-led integrity continue to set the standard for sweet-and-spicy preserves.
About Janet’s Finest Compotes
Founded on family recipes, Janet’s Finest Compotes has been delighting customers with small-batch, fruit-forward spreads for 30 years. With a reputation for inventive flavors and quality ingredients, the brand continues to evolve while staying true to its handcrafted heritage. Proud tobe WBENC-certified, 100% women-owned, and domestically produced, Janet’s Finest Compotes is committed to quality, community, and flavor you can feel good about.
To learn more about Janet’s Finest Compotes or explore the full product line, visit janetsfinest.com or follow @janetsfinest on Instagram and Facebook.