Four winners were announced on September 19, 2018, at the 12th annual Great Manitoba Food Fight (GMFF).

“I am pleased to congratulate all of the winners from yesterday’s 12th annual Great Manitoba Food Fight,” said Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler. “The wide array of products that were presented yesterday shows just how diverse Manitoba’s food and beverage manufacturing sector is.”

The GMFF, sponsored by the Manitoba government in partnership with De Luca’s Specialty Food Store and Food and Beverage Manitoba, is an annual event that supports small and medium-sized agri-processors in Manitoba and helps to accelerate the rate of commercialization and growth in the food and beverage sector.

Three prizes were awarded to food entrepreneurs, and one prize awarded in the alcoholic beverage competition. Joseph Chaeban of Chaeban Ice Cream in Winnipeg won gold with Louis Lavender Ice Cream, Mary MacLean of Happy Dance Hummus in East St. Paul won silver with Curry Masala Hummus, and Helen Staines of Decadence Chocolates in Winnipeg won bronze with Chocolate Hazelnut Spread. The alcoholic beverage competition saw Matthew Sabourin of La Brasserie Nonsuch Brewing Co. in Winnipeg win with a saison.

“Food and Beverage Manitoba (FAB MB) is very proud to be involved with this event,” said Dave Shambrock, executive director, FAB MB. “Our industry is very strong and innovative. This competition helps us recognize the best new products from new companies that are a vital component of the economic growth Manitoba is experiencing.”