The team from Ortega's Meat Distribution accept their award Thursday night.

MADE Central California, the successor to the Fresno Food Expo, wrapped up its two-day run at the Fresno Convention Center Thursday.

At the public portion of the event Thursday evening, hundreds of attendees sampled products from exhibitors and were given the opportunity to vote for their favorites.

Called the Foodie Favorite Award, the following companies received special recognition from attendees who cast their votes live at the event.

 

The special partnership award went to Fresno-based Sunnyside Deli and Sacramento-based Garlish garlic spread. The two teamed up for a tri-tip crostini that had attendees coming back for seconds, thirds and fourths.

Runner-up for the Foodie Favorite Award was Indulge Right, maker of gluten-free and sugar-fee baking products. Chef Varouj Kachicihian of Fresno launched the business in 2021.

Ortega’s Meat Distribution won the top Foodie Favorite honors, wowing the crowd with their chorizo samples. The Fresno-based company was founded in 1994 and its principal is Manuel Ortega.