Cantina Latina’s Guajillo Chicken Burrito Bowl Named a 2027 sofi Award Finalist by the Specialty Food Association

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PRESS RELEASE posted by Cantina Latina
Oct. 20, 2026 at 8:29am (EDT)

New Windsor, NY, October 20, 2026 – Cantina Latina, a ready-to-eat Latin cuisine brand bringing bold flavors and fresh inspiration from across Latin America to the refrigerated grocery aisle, is proud to announce that its Guajillo Chicken Burrito Bowl has been named a finalist for the Specialty Food Association (SFA)’s 2027 sofi™ Awards, recognizing excellence and innovation in specialty food and beverage.

Standing for “specialty outstanding food innovation,” the sofi™ Awards have spotlighted excellence in specialty food and beverage since 1972.

“Being recognized as a sofi™ Award finalist is an exciting milestone for Cantina Latina,” said Sameer Malhotra, CEO of Cantina Latina. “Our goal is to make the bold, vibrant flavors of Latin cuisine accessible to more consumers through convenient, thoughtfully crafted meals. This recognition reinforces our commitment to bringing exciting global flavors to everyday dining.”

The Guajillo Chicken Burrito Bowl stood out among more than 1,000 entries, evaluated by an expert panel of specialty food buyers through a rigorous blind-tasting process. Products were assessed on flavor, appearance, texture, aroma, ingredient quality, and innovation. The 75 products receiving the highest marks across these criteria advanced as Gold Award finalists.

The 2027 sofi™ Award winners will be announced during a special ceremony on January 17 at Winter FancyFaire* in San Francisco. The three-day trade show will also spotlight all 75 finalists through a dedicated product showcase and curated buyer opportunities.

“Each year, our expert judges are blown away by the craft, quality, and innovation of the sofi Award finalists, who set the tone for the industry in the coming year,” said Bill Lynch, president of SFA. “Congratulations to Cantina Latina and all the 2027 finalists. We can’t wait to celebrate you at Winter FancyFaire*!”

Cantina Latina’s Guajillo Chicken Burrito Bowl brings together roasted chicken, guajillo salsa, cilantro-lime rice, black beans, and charred corn for a flavorful, convenient meal inspired by Latin American cuisine. Designed for consumers looking for exciting alternatives to everyday meals, Cantina Latina combines vibrant flavor with the convenience of ready-to-eat refrigerated foods.

Attendees at Winter FancyFaire* 2027 can sample the Guajillo Chicken Burrito Bowl. Buyers will also have the opportunity to sample select sofi™ Award finalists at the First Taste Table.

The recognition comes as Cantina Latina continues to build its presence in the refrigerated prepared foods category, bringing a broader range of Latin-inspired flavors to consumers seeking convenient, satisfying meals. With a focus on bold taste, culinary inspiration, and accessibility, the brand aims to make discovering Latin cuisine an easy and delicious part of everyday life.

“This recognition is an important opportunity to introduce Cantina Latina to more retailers, industry partners, and consumers,” said Malhotra. “As we continue to grow, we’re focused on expanding awareness of the brand and demonstrating how convenient refrigerated meals can deliver exciting flavors and a fresh perspective on everyday dining.”

The sofi™ Awards are among the specialty food industry's leading honors. Past winners include recognizable brands such as Ben & Jerry’s, Kettle Chips, Fage Yogurt, Stonewall Kitchen, and Vermont Creamery.

For more information about Cantina Latina and its Guajillo Chicken Burrito Bowl, visit cantina-latina.com or follow Cantina Latina on social media.

About Cantina Latina

Cantina Latina is a ready-to-eat Latin cuisine brand bringing bold flavors and culinary inspiration from across Latin America to the refrigerated grocery aisle. With recipes inspired by the region’s diverse cuisines, the brand offers convenient meals designed to make discovering new flavors easy and enjoyable. Rooted in authentic culinary inspiration and made for modern lifestyles, Cantina Latina invites consumers to experience Latin cuisine one delicious meal at a time. Learn more at cantina-latina.com.

About the Specialty Food Association

The Specialty Food Association (SFA) was founded in 1952 and is the not-for-profit trade association of the specialty food industry. Representing more than 4,800 businesses worldwide, SFA champions industry participation and success for a diverse community of makers, buyers, importers, distributors, and service providers through events, programs, resources, and education. SFA owns and operates the Summer Fancy Food Show, Winter FancyFaire*, and the sofi™ Awards, which have honored excellence in specialty food and beverage annually since 1972. Learn more at Specialtyfood.com and connect with SFA on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

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