Mar Mar Foods Wins First Place at 2026 Artisan Flave Awards

RICHMOND, VA - June 25, 2026 - Richmond-based Mar Mar Foods, maker of Chili Garlic Mar Mar, has been awarded 1st Place in the Miscellaneous – Spicy Chili Oil category at the 2026 Artisan Flave Awards, presented by the International Flavor Awards.

The award is particularly meaningful because the competition uses blind judging, meaning judges evaluate products without knowing the brand or producer behind the entry. The recognition is based on what matters most: the flavor and quality of the product itself.

“We are thrilled and honored to receive this award,” said Liza Lazaro-Matz, founder of Mar Mar Foods. “Mar Mar was created to be something different, a versatile chili-garlic condiment with layers of flavor, not simply heat. Having it recognized through a blind tasting makes this award even more meaningful.”

Chili Garlic Mar Mar combines garlic, chili, sweetness and savory umami in a distinctive, spoonable condiment. It is designed to be used well beyond traditional chili oil applications, adding flavor to everything from eggs, noodles and dumplings to pizza, burgers, rice and roasted vegetables.

The Artisan Flave Awards provide artisan food producers with an opportunity to have their products evaluated by independent judges. The International Flavor Awards emphasizes impartial evaluation and recognizes outstanding products across numerous food and beverage categories.

Mar Mar Foods is proud to bring home the 2026 1st Place Artisan Flave Award and will be displaying the physical award as a testament to the product's recognition.

“It's incredibly rewarding to see something we created here in Richmond recognized on this level,” said Laraor-Matz. “We're grateful to everyone who has tasted Mar Mar, shared it with friends and helped us grow.”

A portion of Mar Mar Foods' proceeds also supports organizations working to feed people in need, reflecting the company's belief that good food should do good.

About Mar Mar Foods
Mar Mar Foods is a Richmond, Virginia-based food company creating bold, artisan-quality flavors with a purpose. Its signature Chili Garlic Mar Mar combines garlic-forward flavor, chili, sweetness and umami in a versatile condiment made for everyday food.