Business Details
38 Years
experience
Your Premier Fiery Foods & Barbecue Event Organizer
Cajohn's Fiery Foods has been a pioneering force in the fiery foods and barbecue industry since 1988. Founded by Dave DeWitt and Mary Jane Wilan, our company has grown from producing the first National Fiery Foods Show with 37 exhibitors to organizing major annual events at premier venues like the Sandia Resort and Casino. We combine decades of hands-on experience with deep industry knowledge to connect consumers and professionals through immersive food experiences. Our expertise spans event production, media publishing, and culinary competition judging, demonstrated through flagship properties like the Scovie Awards Competition.As recognized leaders in promoting chile peppers and barbecue culture, we maintain authoritativeness through consistent innovation and adherence to quality standards. Our commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction is evident in our long-standing relationships with exhibitors, attendees, and media partners.
Services
Fiery Foods Show
Scovie Awards Competition
Culinary Media Publishing
Event Consulting
Food Industry Networking
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- 35+ years organizing fiery food events since 1988
- Producers of the prestigious Scovie Awards Competition
- Industry-recognized experts in chile pepper promotion
- Established relationships with 260+ exhibitors nationwide
- Customer-centric approach to event production
Services
Fiery Foods Show
Annual event connecting chile producers and barbecue professionals with consumers. Features 260+ exhibitors showcasing products, cooking demonstrations, and industry networking. Established in 1988, now held at premier venues like Sandia Resort and Casino.
Scovie Awards Competition
Prestigious culinary competition evaluating fiery food products through blind taste testing. Recognizes excellence in chile-based items since 1988. Categories include sauces, salsas, and prepared foods judged by industry experts.
Culinary Media Publishing
Produces digital resources including ScovieAwards.com and SuperSite for fiery foods enthusiasts. Maintains recipe archives, chile growing guides, and barbecue techniques. Content spans historical perspectives to modern culinary trends.
Event Consulting
Provides expertise in organizing food-focused events. Services include venue selection, exhibitor recruitment, and programming development. Draws from 35+ years of experience producing major industry shows.
Food Industry Networking
Facilitates business relationships between producers, retailers, and culinary professionals. Creates opportunities through annual events and digital platforms. Focuses on expanding market reach for fiery food and barbecue businesses.
People
Dave DeWitt
Founder and Publisher
Known as the 'Pope of Peppers,' Dave co-founded Cajohn's Fiery Foods in 1988. With 35+ years of experience, he's a recognized authority on chile peppers and barbecue culture.
Mary Jane Wilan
Vice President
Co-founder with Dave DeWitt, Mary Jane oversees operations and event production. Her leadership has driven the growth of the National Fiery Foods Show since its inception.
Emily DeWitt
Food Editor
Second-generation team member responsible for content development and show production. Brings contemporary perspective to the company's traditional focus areas.
Questions
What events does Sunbelt Shows produce?
We produce the National Fiery Foods & Barbecue Show and the Scovie Awards Competition, both showcasing top chile products and barbecue expertise.
How long has Sunbelt Shows been in business?
We've organized fiery food events since 1988, evolving from a small show to major productions at premier venues.
What publications does Sunbelt Shows offer?
We publish industry resources through ScovieAwards.com and maintain the SuperSite for fiery foods enthusiasts.
How can I participate in your events?
Visit our website for exhibitor applications and registration details for both our Fiery Foods Show and Scovie Awards Competition.
What makes your Scovie Awards unique?
Our awards recognize excellence in fiery food products through blind taste testing by industry professionals since 1988.
Do you offer consulting services?
Yes, our team provides event planning expertise for food-related businesses seeking to create impactful industry events.
