Ted Allen of “Chopped” to Host sofi Awards at Summer Fancy Food Show

Ted Allen, Emmy Award-winner and host of three shows on Food Network, including the long-running hit series “Chopped,” will host the 43rd sofi Awards at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York.

Allen is a contributing writer for Esquire magazine and author of two cookbooks, including “In My Kitchen: 100 Recipes and Discoveries for Passionate Cooks.” He was also a series regular on Food Network’s “The Best Thing I Ever Ate,” a judge on the first four seasons of Bravo’s “Top Chef,” and on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America.” He was the food and wine specialist on Bravo’s “Queer Eye,” which was nominated twice for an Emmy and won the award in 2004.

The sofi Awards are the top honor in the $109 billion specialty food industry that recognize creativity, innovation and excellence in 32 categories, including chocolate, cheese and vegan or gluten-free products.

Allen will serve as keynote speaker and present the awards at a red-carpet ceremony on June 29, 2015.

“Ted brings with him a passion for food,” said Ann Daw, president of the Specialty Food Association. “Throughout his career, he has influenced millions of people, showing them the importance of the craft, care and joy that food can bring. He is a true inspiration to the industry.”

A strong supporter of anti-hunger initiatives, Allen will donate his speaking fee for the event to City Harvest, the Fancy Food Show’s anti-hunger charity for 26 years. Allen is a member of City Harvest’s Food Council and a frequent participant in the organization’s fundraising events.

“We have rescued close to 2 million pounds of high-quality food from the Fancy Food Show and delivered it to hungry New Yorkers, and we are grateful for the support of Ted Allen who is generously donating his speaking fee to support our work,” said Jilly Stephens, executive director of City Harvest. “City Harvest appreciates its 26-year relationship with the Specialty Food Association and we are proud to partner again on this exciting event, which is one of our largest annual food rescues.”