Frequently Asked Questions
What is product qualification?
For new members joining SFA in 2020 and beyond, the SFA Membership Application no longer asks for product information.
To ensure that the products represented by the Specialty Food Association are representative of the specialty food industry, the SFA has a Product Qualification process, which provides new members access to SFA product-focused benefits, such as the Fancy Food Show, the sofi Awards, and other product and buyer focused benefits.
Members may submit their desired product(s) for qualification by a panel of food industry professionals. Once member products are qualified, members become eligible for product-focused programs and events (future link to be provided).
For SFA members that joined prior to January 2020, eligibility for product-focused benefits, such as exhibiting at Fancy Food Shows, remains the same.
To ensure that the products represented by the Specialty Food Association are representative of the specialty food industry, the SFA has a Product Qualification process, which provides new members access to SFA product-focused benefits, such as the Fancy Food Show, the sofi Awards, and other product and buyer focused benefits.
Members may submit their desired product(s) for qualification by a panel of food industry professionals. Once member products are qualified, members become eligible for product-focused programs and events (future link to be provided).
For SFA members that joined prior to January 2020, eligibility for product-focused benefits, such as exhibiting at Fancy Food Shows, remains the same.
What SFA programs and benefits require product qualification?
At this time, product-focused programs and events include exhibiting at the Fancy Food Shows and other domestic and international events and applying to the sofi Awards program.
Can any SFA member submit product for qualification?
Members that join SFA in 2020 and beyond may submit product(s) that meet the definition of allowable products (future link to be provided). Ability to submit product is dependent on Member Class (General Members Only).
Company must own or have the rights to represent product(s) that are submitted.
Members that joined prior to January 2020 do not need to submit products for qualification. Pre-existing exhibit eligibility applies.
Company must own or have the rights to represent product(s) that are submitted.
Members that joined prior to January 2020 do not need to submit products for qualification. Pre-existing exhibit eligibility applies.
What is the definition of allowable products?
Products submitted for qualification must meet the following requirements:
✔Food and/or beverage product only
✔Intended for human consumption (pet food not accepted)
✔Legal by Federal laws, as well as NY and CA state laws (CBD, THC, etc. not accepted)
✔Cannot have a Supplement Facts label/be a supplement
✔Must be selling in market for minimum of 6 months
✔Adhere to applicable US agency laws and regulations, including labeling (FDA, USDA, etc.)
✔Food and/or beverage product only
✔Intended for human consumption (pet food not accepted)
✔Legal by Federal laws, as well as NY and CA state laws (CBD, THC, etc. not accepted)
✔Cannot have a Supplement Facts label/be a supplement
✔Must be selling in market for minimum of 6 months
✔Adhere to applicable US agency laws and regulations, including labeling (FDA, USDA, etc.)
I provide a service, or have non-food item, can I submit it for qualification?
Beginning 2020, SFA will only be evaluating products that meet the definition of allowable products (future link to be provided), however, SFA has opportunities and benefits specifically tailored to our business service providers and non-food members, such as sponsorships and special exhibits. Please reach out to Relations to discuss these opportunities in more detail.
I have a non-food product or service. I have seen non-food products and/or services at the Fancy Food Shows. Why can’t I exhibit in the Fancy Food Shows?
Active members that joined prior to January 2020 have been grandfathered under the prior exhibit eligibility requirements.
Should I send in more than one product?
Members only need to submit one (1) product from the brand they represent.
What is the fee for the Product Qualification Process
The Submission Cost is $150.
What does the evaluation entail?
In partnership with Rutgers Food Innovation Center, SFA has developed definitions for specialty foods within major food categories (link to Rutgers list/description of food categories-to be provided). A sensory evaluation will be conducted as a portion of the criteria to determine if the product submitted meets the standard for a specialty food and therefore, can be included in the Specialty Food Association.
Products will be scored on several attributes, including packaging, labeling, ingredients, product appearance, taste and overall quality.
The SFA Product Qualification Committee (a committee of specialty food peers) will provide the final decisions on each product evaluated and scored by Rutgers.*
*Note, SFA Board of Directors reserves the right to override any decisions at their discretion at any time and will review submissions throughout the year.
Products will be scored on several attributes, including packaging, labeling, ingredients, product appearance, taste and overall quality.
The SFA Product Qualification Committee (a committee of specialty food peers) will provide the final decisions on each product evaluated and scored by Rutgers.*
*Note, SFA Board of Directors reserves the right to override any decisions at their discretion at any time and will review submissions throughout the year.
How long does the process take?
Once your product submission is received by Rutgers and complete, the process will take approximately 10-15 business days.
What happens after my product is qualified?
Your product’s qualification will flag your company as eligible to take advantage of product-focused benefits for that product (i.e., Fancy Food Shows, sofi). Eligibility begins immediately upon successful qualification.
Where do I send my product?
Once you have submitted your product information through the online form, you will receive shipping instructions including the exact address and parameters for shipping all product types including perishables, etc.
Do not send your product to SFA NY offices. Product evaluation will be handled at the Rutgers Food Innovation Center in NJ. SFA cannot forward your product.
Do not send your product to SFA NY offices. Product evaluation will be handled at the Rutgers Food Innovation Center in NJ. SFA cannot forward your product.
If my product does not get qualified, can I resend it?
Depending on why your product was not qualified, it is possible to resubmit with modifications. Please speak with our Product Qualification Specialist for your specific situation. Please do not resend your product without direction to do so. Fees may apply.
If my product does not get qualified, can I send in a different product?
Yes. You may submit another product. Product fees will apply.
I have been a member in good standing prior to January 2020, can/should I submit products for qualification?
There is no need for a member that joined prior to January 2020 to submit product(s) at this time. Eligibility for product-focused benefits (future link to FAQ topic to be provided) stands based on your existing membership.
If I have questions, who can I contact?
Contact us at admissions@specialtyfood.com or 646.878.0132.