A gathering built around local flavor

On September 15, 2026, EMKAO Foods was proud to sponsor the 15th annual Fresh Food Face Off, hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County at the Broome County Regional Farmers Market in Binghamton.

The evening brought together local farmers, food producers, chefs and neighbors for a celebration of fresh ingredients and culinary creativity. Competing food businesses created tasting dishes across chicken, pork, vegetarian and dessert categories, giving guests a delicious look at what can happen when talented makers start with ingredients grown close to home.

The Fresh Food Face Off is also a fundraiser. Proceeds help CCE Broome support community programs spanning youth development, agriculture, nutrition education, environmental education and workforce development. That combination of great food and lasting local impact made this sponsorship especially meaningful to us.

Ayissi Nyemba represented EMKAO Foods as a VIP sponsor and welcomed guests to discover our chocolate.

Congratulations to Sweetay’s: Best Taste – Dessert

A special shout-out goes to Chef Chantay Skrine and the Sweetay’s team for winning the 2026 Best Taste – Dessert award. Their joyful moment with the award says everything: this was a celebration of skill, perseverance and the creative energy of our local food community.

Congratulations to Chef Chantay Skrine and the Sweetay’s team, winners of Best Taste – Dessert.

A taste of the evening and a celebratory moment with the Sweetay’s team.

Why this sponsorship matters to EMKAO

At EMKAO, our work begins with people: the smallholder cacao farmers we source from in Cameroon, the makers who transform ingredients through their craft, and the communities that gather around food. The Fresh Food Face Off reflected those same values—respect for the source, pride in quality and the belief that food businesses can create opportunity far beyond the plate.

As we continue building EMKAO’s presence in Binghamton, we are grateful for opportunities to stand alongside the region’s entrepreneurs and community organizations. Sponsoring this event was not only about sharing chocolate. It was about showing up, building relationships and becoming part of a local food ecosystem that welcomes new ideas and helps businesses grow.

Connecting with fellow makers is one of the sweetest parts of community events.

Thank you for making the evening memorable

Thank you to CCE Broome, the farmers and producers, every participating chef and food business, the organizers and volunteers, our fellow sponsors, and everyone who came ready to taste, vote and cheer. Your energy made the 2026 Fresh Food Face Off a memorable celebration of Binghamton’s food community.

And once again, congratulations to Sweetay’s on the Best Taste – Dessert win. We are excited to keep supporting the people and partnerships that make this region such a vibrant place to grow, create and share good food.