Karma Sauce’s Mesa Roja Named 2027 sofi Awards Finalist as Company Expands Wholesale Distribution

The Karma Sauce Company’s Mesa Roja hot sauce has been selected as one of three Gold Award finalists in the Sauces category of the 2027 sofi Awards, presented by the Specialty Food Association. The recognition comes as Karma Sauce seeks to expand its retail and distribution relationships in the United States and international markets.

Mesa Roja brings together smoky chiles, pineapple, honey and bright fruit acidity in a Southwest-inspired sauce built around layered flavor rather than heat alone. From tacos and grilled meats to roasted vegetables, it offers an everyday culinary role alongside its appeal to hot-sauce enthusiasts. Mesa Roja is also Non-GMO Project Verified.

“We develop sauces to bring something genuinely different to the table,” said Gene Olczak, founder of The Karma Sauce Company. “With Mesa Roja, the smoke, fruit, acidity and heat all have a job to do. We want people reaching for the bottle because it makes their food better. Recognition from specialty-food buyers is particularly meaningful—they’re the people looking for products that deserve a place on the shelf.”

The sofi Awards use blind judging by specialty-food industry buyers, with products assessed for taste, aroma, texture, appearance, ingredient quality and innovation. Judges evaluated more than 1,000 applications across 25 categories for the 2027 awards. Mesa Roja’s finalist recognition is in the broader Sauces category, not a hot-sauce-only competition.

Wholesale Opportunities

Karma Sauce welcomes inquiries from specialty retailers, distributors, importers and brokers interested in Mesa Roja and the company’s broader sauce portfolio. Buyers can contact sales@karmasauce.com to request samples, current wholesale pricing, case specifications and distribution information. Independent retailers can also connect with Karma Sauce through Faire using the company’s wholesale page.

Gold Award winners will be announced January 17, 2027, at Winter FancyFaire in San Francisco. The full finalist list is available in the Specialty Food Association’s official announcement.

About The Karma Sauce Company

Founded in 2010 by Gene Olczak, Karma Sauce develops and manufactures specialty sauces in Rochester, New York. The company combines small-batch creativity with distinctive ingredients and a flavor-first approach. Its sauces have earned more than 200 competition honors, and Karma-branded products have appeared on the popular interview series Hot Ones.

Wholesale inquiries
sales@karmasauce.com
Wholesale ordering and Faire access

Contact Information

Gene Olczak

Owner

Karma Sauce

sales@karmasauce.com