It’s officially awards season and while the world watches the stars on screen, we are shining a spotlight on the true celebrities… of the imported food world! Join us as we roll out the red carpet for our top picks in cheese, meats, grocery, and sweets. Also, let us know who you would choose to win each category (even if we didn’t list them)!

Cheese Category: The Stars of the Show

No board is complete without a great centerpiece cheese and these three steal the show every time.

Alpeggio

First up is Monti Trentini’s Alpeggio. Born in the dizzying heights of the Italian Alps, this rare, limited-production cheese is crafted exclusively from the summer milk of select local dairy farmers. After aging for over a year, it delivers complex flavors of warm brown butter notes and a touch of caramel sweetness. But the quality that makes this cheese a star? The irresistible crunch of protein crystals that pop with earthy, salty minerals.

Central Piccolo Canestrato al Pesto

Next, we have Central’s Piccolo Pesto- a stunning semi-hard cheese that demands attention in any kitchen or table. It undergoes a 120-day aging process before being infused with pesto, creating a stunning bright green marbling. On the palate, it delivers a memorable performance: the fresh basil blends with the robust strength of the pecorino and deep notes of garlic and pine nuts emerge, adding surprising depth.

Vantia Ricotta

Finally, the Vantia Ricotta. If texture were an award category, this would sweep the board. Exceptionally fluffy and smooth, it lacks the graininess of other competitors. What makes it a true standout is its purity; unlike many other ricottas on the market, it contains no stabilizers. Made with just three simple ingredients (whole milk, vinegar, and salt) it offers a fresh milk flavor and a clean finish.

Meats: The Supporting Actors

From the board to the kitchen, everything is carried on the shoulders of strong, bold flavors from these meats.

Licini Sicilian Salami

Licini Brothers have been crafting authentic, handcrafted charcuterie in Union City for over 50 years, bringing generations of Bergamo, Italy, know-how to the U.S. Their “quality over quantity” mindset shines in their Sicilian Salami, which is bursting with rich, aromatic flavors from secret family spice blends and well-seasoned pork. The salami is patiently aged to ensure a perfectly even texture in every slice and comes in a convenient, large size that’s perfect for slicing!

Maestri ‘Nduja

A fiery, spreadable salami from Calabria, Italy, Maestri ‘Nduja is made with the bold heat of Calabrian chili peppers, sweet peppers, and a blend of pork meat and fat cuts that are expertly minced and combined with spices. After being carefully encased and hung to dry, it offers a unique texture reminiscent of butter: spicy, tangy, and utterly delightful! It’s also incredibly versatile- spread it onto crackers, fresh bread, or infuse rich flavor into pasta sauces.

Negroni Guanciale Chubs

A key to making your Carbonara go from great to exceptional, Negroni Guanciale offers a depth of flavor that pancetta simply cannot match. Crafted in Italy from whole pork cheeks, its exceptional fat content is characterized by a silky, melt-in-the-mouth texture that crisps to perfection when cooked. Now, it’s offered in a convenient chub size so your shoppers can just grab and go!

Grocery: The Background Characters

These items set the scene and make everything else look (and taste) good while still being standouts themselves.

Tarall’Oro Treccini

Tarall’Oro Treccini braided snacks are crunchy, golden, and addictive. Crafting delicious artisanal specialties in the heart of Puglia for over forty years, the Treccini breadsticks showcase a love for natural ingredients and mastery in baking. Available in six assorted flavors, we adore the variety they offer for everyone!

Iliada EVOO Squeeze Bottles

A premium, quality product and innovative design in the EVOO world? Iliada has taken their premium, fruity, and peppery Extra Virgin Olive Oil and packaged it in a convenient squeeze bottle. It allows for a precise drizzle over salads or finishing dishes, ensuring you get the perfect amount of liquid gold every time.

Riso Gallo My Risotto Perfetto

A kitchen staple that performs under pressure! With My Risotto Perfetto, you can enjoy the ultimate risotto experience from Riso Gallo, the Italian artist of risotto, in just 12 minutes. Their exclusive method uses carefully selected, top-quality ingredients and big Italian risotto rice grains which naturally absorb delicious flavors without the use of additives. Bonus- the name makes for a decent tongue twister!

Sweets: The Surprise Guests

With so many savory products, you’ll need a sweet companion to balance it out.

Vantia Hot Honey

The ultimate “swicy” (sweet and spicy) superstar combines the floral, golden sweetness of pure honey with the assertive, fiery kick of real Calabrian chili peppers. Vantia Hot Honey is remarkably versatile: drizzle it over a creamy scoop of Vantia Ricotta, glaze a tray of roasted Brussels sprouts, or give a spicy-sweet upgrade to a classic pepperoni pizza.

Rachelli Mason Jars

Why wait for a reservation? Rachelli brings quality desserts in adorable “gran-n-go” glass mason jars straight to your shopper’s fridge. The Caramel Tiramisu is a luxurious twist on the Italian classic, featuring velvety layers of caramel, espresso-soaked sponge cake, and whipped mascarpone cream. For the chocolate lovers, the Triple Chocolate Mousse offers deep, decadent layers of airy chocolate bliss.

Starlino Cherries

We end with a literal cherry on top! These exquisite, all-natural Maraschino cherries are matured for two weeks in their natural Marasca juice, then rested for another week to achieve their peak flavor. The result is a delicious, luxurious cherry that is delightfully sweet and the perfect garnish for a cocktail or dessert.

---

And that wraps up our nominees for each category! While it’s hard to choose a single winner, one thing is extremely clear: they are all qualified contenders like the rest of the products we carry. With many more arrivals expected throughout the year, be sure to keep an eye out and make room on your shelves for some new favorites!