Fifth-generation Italian bakery OLIVIERI 1882 has won a Gold Award as part of the Specialty Food Association’s (SFA) 2024 Sofi Awards, a top honor in the $207-billion specialty food industry.

OLIVIERI 1882’s Classic Panettone was selected by specialty food experts, buyers and media as the top Baked Goods – Bakery Desserts product, alongside Gold Award winners in 49 total categories. Products are judged on taste, including flavor, appearance, texture, aroma, ingredient quality and innovation. All tastings are anonymous and are held at the Rutgers Food Innovation Center.

“We are honored that our Classic Panettone, one of our signature products, has won a SOFI GOLD AWARD,” says Nicola Olivieri, head baker and owner of OLIVIERI 1882. “The team and I are delighted that the quality of our products and the continuous and meticulous research and innovation we apply to our work has been recognized on an international scale through this prestigious award. This is a significant milestone for OLIVIERI 1882, which in 2023 opened its first overseas company precisely in the US, where we are beginning an ambitious expansion project.”

Olivieri 1882’s Classic Panettone can be purchased on its website.

The Sofi Awards are open to members of the SFA and have been given each year since 1972. Winners will be showcased at the 2024 Summer Fancy Food Show, running June 23-25, at the Javits Center in New York City, and celebrated at the first-ever Sofi Awards Gala on June 24. Open only to the trade, the Summer Fancy Food Show is specialty food’s premier product discovery event.