Gourmet Gold Specialty Food Awards Call for Entries + Exhibitor News for June Market in Dallas

DALLAS – May 6, 2021 – Entries are now being accepted for the Dallas Gourmet Gold Specialty Food Awards, to be held at Dallas Market Center during the Total Home & Gift Market, June 23-29.


The Gourmet Gold Specialty Food Awards celebrates exceptional manufacturers in the gourmet products industry exhibiting at Dallas Market Center. With more than 1,000 product lines of gourmet food and accessories featured in the Gourmet Market in the World Trade Center, gourmet maintains a strong presence at Dallas Market Center as resources in the category continue to expand.


The categories are:
• Best Baked – cookies, cake, breads, mixes
• Best Beverage – hot or cold
• Best Condiment I – sauces, rubs, seasonings
• Best Condiment II – oils, vinegars, dressings
• Fruit Confit – jams, jellies, preserves, marmalades
• Best Soup/Chili
• Best Chocolate Candy/Dessert –
includes sauces, pies, cakes, cookies
• Best Non-Chocolate Candy/Dessert –
includes caramels, taffy, brittles, pralines, cookies
• Best Snack – dips, salsas, nuts
• Best Healthy Lifestyle –
includes organic, gluten free, sugarless, vegan products


Food entries are judged on taste, originality, and packaging. Participation is limited to current Dallas Market Center exhibitors in permanent showrooms or temporary space for June 2021 Total Home & Gift Market. Participants may enter one product per category in up to two categories, and the entry fee is $50 per entry or two for $75. Entries are due by June 1, 2021. Details are available at https://dallasmarketcenter.com/gourmetgold/


Judging will take place during the Total Home & Gift Market and winners will be revealed during an awards ceremony and cocktail reception on Saturday, June 26 at 4 p.m. in the World Trade Center Atrium.

Gourmet Exhibitor News

For more than three decades, Gourmet Market at Dallas Market Center has been the buyers’ resource for “everything gourmet.” Featuring more than 1,000 product lines from specialty food and beverages, kitchen and wine accessories, housewares, casual tabletop, and gifts for all occasions. For June 2021, new, expanded or relocated showrooms in Gourmet Market include Amanida, WTC 180.A40; Baratti & Milano, WTC 180.D28; Casa Bella Vida Color Kitchen, WTC 180.A20; Fairhope Favorites, WTC 180.C30; Kalisee, WTC180.B28; Knotty Woodworx, WTC 180.E10; Monas All Purpose Seasonings, WTC 180.A18; Nashville Wraps (WTC 180.E12); Parker County Coffee Roasters, WTC 180.C02; Ravens Nest Legacy, WTC 180.E28; Teaspressa, WTC 180.E13; and Yeah Baby Creole WTC 180.E48.

Housewares News

During the June show, GC Buying Group will hold its Member Conference at Dallas Market Center. The annual event draws retailers from across the country to review new products from leading vendors with the company principals, network among peers, and experience presentations from business and industry experts. The Vendor Showcase will return with a broad range of products for the home—from gadgets to fine cookware to the latest in kitchen electrics.

Health & Safety Guidelines Supporting Buyer Comfort

Supporting the comfort, health and safety of all attendees, the market center continues measures that include mandatory face covering for every person entering the marketplace. Other efforts include enhanced cleaning with hospital grade products, hundreds of hand sanitizing stations and signage for social distancing. A complete overview of health & safety guidelines is available via the front page of the Dallas Market Center website. Along with these new steps, there are safety measures that are part of the design of the marketplace: open parking, large entryways, quick registration in multiple areas, wide hallways, multiple escalators to each floor, and showrooms with controlled access to allow for the appropriate distance between customers.

Special Hotel Offers

Dallas Market Center partner hotels are offering new, lower rates to support buyer travel budgets. Dozens of hotels, many within walking distance of the campus, are offering updated rates as low as $115. Rates valid until 2 weeks prior to Market, based on availability and are subject to change at any time so please reach out to Market Travel online or by calling 214-744-7444.

Additional June Trade Events

In addition to the Total Home and Gift Market, other trade events this summer offer buyers a safe and welcoming marketplace. Events include Apparel & Accessories Market (June 15-18); Lightovation: Dallas International Lighting Show (June 23-26); and KidsWorld (June 23-29).

For upcoming markets, visit the Dallas Market Center website and download the Dallas Market Center mobile app. Also, keep up-to-date on all information by visiting Dallas Market Center on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and the DMC Daily Dose.

About Dallas Market Center

Dallas Market Center is a global business-to-business trade center and the leading wholesale marketplace in North America connecting retailers and interior designers with top manufacturers in gourmet and housewares, home décor, holiday/floral, gifts, lighting and apparel. Inside its dynamic, five million square foot campus, nearly 200,000 customers from all 50 states and 85 countries seek industry trends, business education and new products from exhibitors throughout the year via dominant trade events for gift, home décor, holiday and floral; the nation’s most comprehensive apparel and accessories markets featuring the latest styles from East Coast and West Coast designers; the largest residential lighting trade event in North America; and the largest and most successful open-daily design center. The marketplace is located in the strongest economic zone in the country. In addition, more than 80% of Dallas Market Center buyers report that they do not shop other market centers. To make plans for upcoming markets, visit the Dallas Market Center website and download the Dallas Market Center App. Also, keep up-to-date on all information by visiting Dallas Market Center on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and the Dallas Market Center blog.

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