In August last year, Seedling Projects (it helped organize Slow Food Nation in 2008 and the S.F. Street Food Festival in 2010) announced an awards contest to recognize the top responsible artisan producers in the country and promote awareness of the sustainable food movement. Just under 800 entries were organized into seven categories (beer, charcuterie, cheese, chocolate, coffee, pickles, and preserves), and were narrowed down to 130 finalists.
The awards are not without controversy, since some have argued that no coffee in the world qualifies as sustainable (and according to Sprudge.com, some judges thought so, too).
The winners will be announced this Friday evening, Jan. 14, at a private event MC'd by La Cocina's Caleb Zigas, with Alice Waters delivering the keynote. Then on Saturday, 45 of the the 71 winners will get to showcase their artisan food products to the public at Ferry Plaza's outdoor arcade, for sampling and purchase.
The marketplace marks the beginning of a month-long series of sustainable themed events, cooking demonstrations, classes, and farm tours.
First Good Food Awards Marketplace
When: Sat., Jan. 15, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Ferry Building, 1 Ferry Plaza
Cost: Free admission; products will be for sale
