Makers Of Customized Beef Jerky, Agave Sodas, Honey Lavender Ice Cream Among 169 Companies Accepted To Nasft

The National Association for the Specialty Food Trade, Inc., is pleased to welcome 169 new members.The companies include SlantShack Jerky, Brooklyn, N.Y., producer of all-natural beef jerky that can be made to order, Oogave Sodas, Denver, Colo., manufacturer of organic sodas sweetened with agave nectar and Moorenko's Ice Cream, Silver Spring, Md., producer of ultra premium ice cream. Other new members include makers of gluten-free cookies, Indian sauces, tropical fruit purees and goat cheese.

The NASFT is the leading U.S. trade association for food artisans, entrepreneurs and importers. Today there are more than 2,900 members throughout the U.S. and abroad. "To be accepted for NASFT membership means a business is a viable enterprise in the specialty food industry," says Ann Daw, president of the NASFT. "These new members reflect the innovative spirit and diversity of our industry."To become a member, a food company must be approved by the NASFT Admissions Committee, an 11-member panel of food makers, distributors, brokers and retailers that reviews detailed applications and ensures the business produces products that qualify as specialty foods. The NASFT Board of Directors votes quarterly on the committee's recommendations.

Benefits of membership include the opportunity to exhibit at the NASFT's Fancy Food Shows, North America's largest marketplace devoted exclusively to specialty foods, participation in the sofi Awards, the top honor in the $70 billion specialty food industry, and a full menu of education programs and networking events. For information on membership, click here.

About the NASFT

The NASFT, based in New York City, is a not-for-profit trade association established in 1952 to foster trade, commerce and interest in the specialty food trade. The NASFT's website for consumers, foodspring.com, provides an insider's look at specialty foods and the entrepreneurs and artisans behind them. For more information, go to http://foodspring.com/about/nasft. For information on applying for NASFT membership, go to www.specialtyfood.com.