Serious Foodie NZ Tamarillo Marinade and Dressing gained the honour at the annual United States Specialty Food Association Awards, called the Sofis, among 2600 entries in 39 categories.
Serious Foodie is a US importer, product developer and wholesaler specialising in gourmet sources, spice rubs and vinegars.
Its relationship with the NZ Tamarillo Co-operative (Tamco) began about two years ago, director and leading grower Robin Nitschke said.
Serious Foodie owner Jim Pachence assessed NZ tamarillo products already on sale here, such as vinaigrette and relish, and proposed adaptations for American tastes and markets.
The NZ products were developed by Robin and Heather Nitschke on their tamarillo orchard at Maungatpere, near Whangarei, and retail here under the Tamco label For the Love of Tams.
The US award-winning marinade and dressing was formulated only a few weeks ago but is now expected to be in hot demand, Pachence said.
He believes the new taste of tamarillo, a fruit grown commercially only in NZ and Australia outside of its Latin American origin, will appeal to US consumers.
Many of his products feature the country from which the ingredients come, in this case tamarillo pulp and vinegar from NZ.
For the Love of Tams Relish also won a silver medal in the 2018 Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards, announced last week.
The US Sofis have been awarded annually since 1972.
