June 30, 2010 – The Ginger People won the coveted Gold sofi™ Award from the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade, Inc. (NASFT) for "Outstanding Product Line." The sofi Gold for "Outstanding Product Line" is considered one of the most sought after awards in the specialty food and beverage industry as it recognizes the overall strength and popularity of a brand.

Announced at a red-carpet ceremony during the 56th Summer Fancy Food Show in New York on June 28, the NASFT honored The Ginger People with the top award, a golden statue appropriately crafted in the likeness of a culinary chef. "sofi" stands for Specialty Outstanding Food Innovation.

Christie Pearson, Vice President Sales & Marketing accepted the award at the ceremony, saying "I am honored to accept this award on behalf of the Leeson family, who for over 25 years has remained committed to and passionate about the world's most venerable spice. We'd like to thank our entire Ginger People family, including broker, distributor, and retailer partners, as well as our fanatic ginger loyalists."

The Ginger People began in 1984 when Australian Bruce Leeson set out to broaden American awareness of ginger. With a focus on ginger's healthy benefits, he and his wife, Abbie Leeson, began creating what is now the most extensive line of premium ginger products and ingredients in the market. The company remains family owned and operated and sells its ginger-based product range throughout the United States and in 12 export markets.

The Ginger People source ginger from the world's premier growing regions, allowing them to take advantage of the nuances in flavor attributes imparted by the varied terroir. The Ginger People remain true to its goal to increase awareness of ginger's culinary versatility and endless healthful benefits by delivering bold flavors through 100% natural products.

Owned by Royal Pacific Foods, The Ginger People brand was established in 1984. With state-of-the-art ginger factories in California and Queensland, Australia, The Ginger People prides itself in being the most innovative, quality-oriented and environmentally conscious ginger producer in the world.