Local product part of UGA’s Savor the State competition

An entry from Georgia Jams in Williamson was selected from a field of more than 180 products submitted by 80 businesses in the Savor the State: A Flavor of Georgia Tasting Experience. Georgia Jams of Williamson entered a Summer Berries and Wine Spread that was chosen for the Honey, Syrups, Jams and Jellies category.

The finalists will compete on March 27 at The Classic Center in Athens with an award ceremony to follow.

The 2026 event, Savor the State, is open to the public from 2 to 6 p.m. The $20 public admission includes samples from finalists in attendance, a tote bag and one drink ticket.

Attendees will also be able to purchase products from finalists.

Hosted by the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), the competition shines a light on small businesses in Georgia, and all the tasty food products that contribute to the state’s economy.

Preliminary judging took place on the UGA Griffin campus at the Food Product and Innovation (FoodPIC), where entries were judged on a multitude of factors, including ingredient profile, consumer appeal, and, of course, flavor. Judges narrowed the applicant pool down to three finalists per category.

Judges will announce winners from each category and choose the overall contest winner at Savor the State. Attendees can vote for their favorite finalist in the People’s Choice Awards.