Benny Curl, of Byrd Cookie Company, is chosen for the inaugural class of inductees into the Specialty Food Association Hall of Fame.  The group of individuals is chosen based on their accomplishments, impact, innovations and contributions to the specialty food industry.   “The specialty food industry is built on the creativity and passion of individuals who have worked hard to bring top-quality food and new flavors to market. We are proud to recognize these pioneers,” says Specialty Food Association President Ann Daw. 

Mr. Curl continues his work as Byrd Cookie Company’s Chairman Emeritus, focusing on legislation, labeling, and overall awareness of industry trends and opportunities.  A leader in the Savannah community, Curl has served and continues to serve on various boards and committees.  The Georgia Department of Agriculture first reached out to him to lead the Georgia Specialty Food & Wine group where he served as President and was instrumental in providing educational and informative information to the state’s manufacturers, retailers, and specialty food consumers.

After working with the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Food outreach, he was nominated and elected as a board member of the Specialty Food Association.  He served a total of 16 years on the board, and in various committees and elected positions.

As owner of Byrd Cookie Company from 1987 to 2011, Benny Curl continued the legacy of quality and innovative products that his wife, Kay Byrd Curl’s, family built in Savannah since 1924.  His partnerships with Disney and other Amusement parks were the first of their kind.  Under his leadership Byrd’s Famous Cookies developed a strong private label business with the parks.  At the height of the partnership Byrd’s Famous Cookies had seven of the top ten selling food products in all the parks.  Numbers that speak to the quality and taste of the cookies, in addition to the personal relationships that Curl is know to build and nurture.

The inductees will be celebrated on Jan. 11, 2015, at the Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco as part of a special event that also includes the Association’s Leadership Awards and a keynote address by Seth Goldman, co-founder and CEO of Honest Tea. The event is 5 – 6:30 p.m. at Moscone Center.  Created in 1952, the Specialty Foods Association continues to drive awareness and support to the niche group of retailers and producers that bring the emotional experience of specialty foods to the consumer.