$10,000 Grand Prize Awarded For Walnut and Fudge Crunch At Canadian / International Food & Beverage Show

Mississauga, ON – February 21, 2007 – Winners of the second annual California Walnut Inspirations Contest were announced at this year’s Canadian International Food & Beverage Show, February 18-20. Finalists representing the Canadian food industry competed in one of six categories with the hope of moving on to the ‘Best in Show’ final competition. Competitors showcased their masterpieces in Baked Goods and Snacks, Desserts, Breads, Confectionary, Main Dishes and Sides and Freestyle categories in front of a panel of industry experts. Chantelle Gorham of Northwest Fudge Factory won the title of Best in Show and a cash prize of $10,000 for her Walnut and Fudge Crunch.

“I’m so excited about this win,” exclaimed Ms. Gorham of winning the contest. “I enjoyed meeting fellow competitors from across Canada and competing against such unique and delicious walnut products.” On winning $10,000, Ms. Gorham said, “I’m thrilled about the prize and I plan on using it towards getting my new product on the market.”

Sponsored by the California Walnut Commission (CWC), the California Walnut Inspirations Contest is a new product development contest intended to encourage food industry professionals from across Canada to develop innovative and unique recipes that incorporate California walnuts as a key ingredient.

Competitors represented many areas of the multi-faceted Canadian food industry and included: product manufacturers, foodservice companies, product developers, culinary professionals, private professional bakers and retail grocery professionals. The contest was hosted by Mairlyn Smith, cookbook author, television personality and professional foodie.

Judges from the food industry and media were tasked with choosing category winners and a Best in Show winner from 18 exceptional walnut products in the six categories. Judging criteria was based on taste; appearance; innovative use of California walnuts; quantity of California walnuts used and marketability with possible bonus points for nutrition.

Winners of the 2007 California Walnut Inspirations Contest are as follows:

Chantelle Gorham of the Northwest Fudge Factory, Levack, Ontario, won the Best in Show (a cash prize of $10,000) and the Confectionary category for her Walnut and Fudge Crunch.

Ralf Tschenscher of the Lesaffre Yeast Corporation, Vancouver, British Columbia, won the Breads category and went on to take second place overall with a $3,000 cash prize.

for his California Walnut Apple Breakfast Bread. He was also 4th Runner up for his Walnut Crunch in the Baked Goods & Snacks category.

Liako Dertilis and Pamela MacDonald of Curious Epicureans, Toronto, Ontario, won the Main Dishes and Sides category and went on to win third place overall for a $1,000 prize for their California Walnut Stuffed Pasta with Fig & Prosciutto.

Martin Givens of La Rocca Creative Cakes, Toronto, Ontario was 3rd Runner up and winner of the Desserts category for his Walnut Caramel Pear Cake.

Sherri-Ann Harrison of Sunny Crunch Foods Ltd., Markham, Ontario was 5th Runner up for her Muesli Multigrain Cereal and winner of the Freestyle category.

The contest was promoted to food professionals across Canada through advertising in trade publications, direct mail and www.walnutinfo.com. The California Walnut Commission is already planning next year’s competition and encouraging food professionals to get inspired and develop new, innovative walnut products that will encourage Canadian consumers to taste the difference California walnuts make.

The California Walnut Commission, established in 1987, is a State of California Commission, which is involved in export market development activities, nutrition research, promotion and education on walnuts and their nutrition benefits. The CWC is funded by mandatory assessments of the growers and works in concurrence with the Secretary of the Department of Food and Agriculture.