Patrick Ford Named to Specialty Food Association’s Hall of Fame

Raleigh, NC – May 20, 2025 – RALEIGH, NC– Ford’s Gourmet Foods today announced that vice president, Patrick Ford, has been named to the Specialty Food Association’s Hall of Fame. This is an honor that recognizes Ford’s significant contributions to the industry over the last three decades.

“For 28 years, Patrick has been a dedicated member of the Specialty Food Association and a true champion of our community,” said Bill Lynch, President of the SFA. “He has served as a tireless advocate, a generous mentor to emerging brands, and a passionate ambassador for the industry. We’re honored to welcome him into the SFA Hall of Fame - alongside some of the most influential pioneers in specialty food, including his mom! It’s a full-circle moment, and one that reflects the incredible legacy Patrick continues to build.”

“This honor means so much to me coming from the SFA, which provides exceptional support and resources to our industry, creating a path for all of us to be successful,” said Ford. “I share this honor with mom, Sandi, President of Ford’s Gourmet Foods, my dad, Lynn Ford, President of Ford's Produce Co., Inc. brother, Vaughn Ford, VP of Ford's Produce Co., Inc. and the team at Ford’s Gourmet Foods and Ford’s Produce who are very much a part of the family.”

Ford and his fellow honorees will be recognized at a special ceremony on Monday, June 30th, at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York. 

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About Ford’s Gourmet Foods

Ford's Gourmet Foods, a subsidiary of Ford’s Produce Company, is a Raleigh, North Carolina-based, fourth generation family business. Recently named as the North American Marketer of the Year by NAAMO, Ford’s are known for creating some of the world's greatest tasting foods, including: Fire Dancer Jalapeño Peanuts, Southern Yum Pecan Brittle and the internationally acclaimed Bone Suckin' Sauces and Seasonings. – the ONLY barbecue sauces rated #1 by Newsweek, Food & Wine and many others.  

About the Specialty Food Association

The Specialty Food Association (SFA) was founded in 1952 and is the not-for-profit trade association of the $207-billion specialty food industry. Representing more than 4,000 businesses worldwide, SFA champions industry participation and success for a diverse community of makers, buyers, importers, distributors, and service providers by producing events, programs, and year-round resources and education. SFA owns and operates the Summer Fancy Food Show, Winter FancyFaire*, and the sofi™ Awards, which have honored excellence in specialty food and beverage annually since 1972. 

About Bone Suckin' Sauce®: Bone Suckin' Sauce® is a premium line of barbecue sauces, marinades, rubs and seasonings crafted with high-quality ingredients and a commitment to exceptional flavor. Made in the USA, Bone Suckin' Sauce® products are Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, Dairy Free, Kosher, and contain No High Fructose Corn Syrup, delivering both delicious taste and wholesome goodness. Beloved by families and grilling enthusiasts worldwide, Bone Suckin' Sauce® continues to redefine the barbecue experience.

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