Judges honor 10 FABI Favorites elevating global flavors, clean ingredients, and plant-based excellence
Chicago, IL (RestaurantNews.com) The National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show® today announced the 39 recipients of the 2025 Food and Beverage (FABI) Awards, celebrating products redefining menus, driving consumer demand, and helping restaurant operators enhance profitability. This year’s standout products — 10 of which earned the prestigious designation of FABI Favorites — reflect growing trends in globally inspired flavors, clean-label ingredients, innovative plant-based alternatives, and convenience-driven solutions that simplify kitchen operations. Attendees can experience these acclaimed products firsthand during the National Restaurant Association Show, taking place May 17–20, 2025, at McCormick Place in Chicago.
“The FABI Awards put the spotlight on products shaping today’s menus and consumer experiences,” said Tom Cindric, President of Exhibitions for Informa Connect Foodservice. “This year’s selections demonstrate how suppliers are creatively responding to key operator needs — menu versatility, sustainable sourcing, and products that resonate with consumers. Attendees can count on the Show as their source for discovering standout solutions and uncovering the products and trends they’ll bring back to their businesses.”
The FABI Awards help foodservice operators discover impactful food and beverage products selected by an independent panel of judges. These experts — representing renowned brands such as Wendy’s, Aramark, and Buffalo Wild Wings — evaluate submissions based on taste, operational impact, profitability potential, consumer appeal, and the ability to address real-world challenges for operators.
“One of my favorite things about working in the culinary space is the constant evolution of our industry,” stated Becky Davis, Director of Culinary Innovation at The Wendy’s Company and 2025 FABI judge. “My time as a judge for the 2025 FABI Awards has only solidified my belief that working with quality food and beverage products is the key to enhancing the guest experience and overall restaurant efficiency. The 2025 awardees push the boundaries and improve on traditional flavors, taking familiar favorites to new levels and I think that foodie fans are going to agree.”
The FABI Favorites, introduced in 2023, highlight those products judged to have the most significant impact on industry-wide trends and consumer expectations. These elite selections, prominently featuring innovative uses of global ingredients, clean-label standards, and creative plant-based alternatives, will be showcased in dedicated tastings and demonstrations throughout the Show.
“In an industry spoiled for choice, to thrive and survive, brands need a shining light to stand out in the crowd. It’s that simple, winning a FABI award for our game-changing foodservice innovation is that industry-leading spotlight!” said Miranda Reid, SHOTT Beverages Chief Marketing Officer and a 2025 FABI Favorite.
FABI FAVORITES
Locatelli Crema di Cacio E Pepe
The Ambriola Company, Inc.
Wildbrine Spicy Kimchi Sriracha
FFH
Frozen Kumquat Puree 100%
Les vergers Boiron
Creme Clouds
Mochi Love
50CUT Bratwurst Sausage
Mush Foods US, Inc.
Plant-based Jalapeno and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Meatballs
No Meat Factory
Marinated Quartered Artichoke Hearts – Pouch
POSHI
Roland® Sofrito with Aji Amarillo
Roland Foods
Fire Roasted Green Garbanzos
Sevillo Fine Foods
Blackcurrant and Lime Caffeine Concentrate
SHOTT Beverages
FABI AWARDEES
Wagyu Beef Patties – Guinness® Flavored
2 Pint Provisions
Golden Tiger Kimchi Chicken Potstickers
Ajinomoto Foods North America
Posada Birria Cruncheros
Ajinomoto Foods North America
Posada Mexican-Style Hot Chocolate Cruncheros
Ajinomoto Foods North America
Sushi Spring Roll (California Style)
AMOY ASIAN FOODS NORTH AMERICA
Wild Ahi Tuna Shoyu Retail Poke Kit
Annasea
Wild Ahi Tuna Wasabi Bulk Poke Kit
Annasea
bibigo Gochujang Hot & Sweet Sauce
CJ Schwan’s Company
bibigo Steamed Dumplings
CJ Schwan’s Company
MINH(R) 3.0 oz Breakfast Egg Roll
CJ Schwan’s Company
Sprite + Tea
The Coca-Cola Company
Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
Crafted Cocktails
Dairy-Free Mozzarella Shreds
Daiya Foods Inc.
S’Mores Cheesecake
Eli’s Cheesecake Co.
A1 Steakhouse Butter
Epicurean Butter
Fable Pulled Shiitake Mushrooms
Fable Food Co.
Avocado Hummus
Grecian Delight Kronos
Pre-Cooked Chickpea Bites – Spanakopita
Grecian Delight Kronos
Pre-Cooked Chickpea Bites – Zucchini
Grecian Delight Kronos
WORTHINGTON® VEGAN PEPPERONI SLICES
Heritage Health Food
MyBacon
MyForest Foods
Nitrogen Infused Chopped Garlic
Nate’s Fine Foods
Seaweed-ish™ Kelp Meatballs
North Coast Seafoods
Exotic Mousse
OVERSEAS FOOD TRADING
PINEAPPLE PEPPER SAUCE
Querendona
Gochu Sauce
Seoulfully! Sauce
Smoky Sauce
Seoulfully! Sauce
Tajin Twist
Tajin International Corp
Broccoli Cheddar Breakfast Potato Bake
Veggies Made Great
Awardees and Favorites will be prominently featured across the Show floor, highlighted through tastings and specialized programming designed to showcase these standout food and beverage products. Attendees will have exclusive opportunities to sample award-winning products at these featured events within the Culinary Experience’s Connections space, located in McCormick Place’s Lakeside building:
- FABI Awardees Tasting: Saturday, May 17, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
- FABI Awardees Tasting: Sunday, May 18, 1:15 – 2:45 p.m.
- Fabulous Flavors – Trend-Setting FABI Awards Favorites: Monday, May 19, 10:00 – 10:45 a.m.
- FABI Favorites Tasting: Monday, May 19, 10:45 – 11:45 a.m.
- FABI Awards Ceremony: Monday, May 19, 1:30 p.m.
For more details on the FABI Awards and to register for the 2025 National Restaurant Association Show, visit NationalRestaurantShow.com. Connect with the Show online on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for event updates.
The National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show is owned and operated by Informa Connect in partnership with the National Restaurant Association.
Media Contact:
Julie Franks
[email protected]
