An Upper Cumberland company recently earned a bronze medal at the Worldwide Mustard Competition for its signature, sweet hot mustard.
Harvest Gourmet Foods Owner Rich Buford said the local product beat out 770 entries from companies across the globe. As a product of the Upper Cumberland, Buford said the award highlights the potential for gourmet Tennessee food products to earn a spot on a bigger stage.
“We were ranked in the top 10, which for us, is an incredible honor and something that we knew we made good mustards, but we just didn’t know that we would rank that high,” Buford said.
Buford said the company produces all-natural products in small kettles that are hand-stirred and hand-made in Cookeville. Buford said the business is currently managing a high volume of orders for its award-winning mustard and barbecue sauces during the busy festival season.
“I think it’s important because it shows the efforts that craftsmen from Tennessee put in the development and manufacture of our product,” Buford said. “Of course, we’re the home of Jack Daniel’s and several spice companies, and our companies are known for the quality that we make.”
Buford said the business is expanding its operations with a new manufacturing plant currently under construction in Clay County. Buford said the business is currently hiring local residents to produce its line of specialty jams, jellies, and marinades.
“We’re going to make our products in Tennessee and we’re going to hire Tennesseans to make them,” Buford said.
Buford said the inspiration for the business began with his grandmother’s apple butter recipe before he eventually studied gourmet mustard manufacturing in Oregon. Buford said the company now offers unique regional flavors including sweet potato, pecan praline, and moonshine barbecue sauce.
As food prices continue to rise, Buford said people should consider adding gourmet condiments to compliment the meat and other food that has become a more significant purchase.
“Cooking and food are traditions in the South and specialty artisan, small, kettle-made products are superior to what you can normally get in the large chain stores,” Buford said. “Most people can taste the quality and the difference. So, if you’re spending $10 for a t-bone steak, I think you want the best sauce that you can put on it.”
Buford said the company will be represented at festivals in Cookeville every month and sells products in several local stores and across five states.
“Just remember, it’s my hardworking employees that make these products, and we’re just hoping we can serve our community,” Buford said.
Even in wake of recent expansions, Buford said the company remains committed to being available and visible to the people of Cookeville, Putnam County and the entire Upper Cumberland Region.
The easily-recongizable black-wrapped products can be found in most grocery stores in town.
