Meet Judy Egge of Sunshine Specialty Foods in Arizona

Meet Judy Egge of Sunshine Specialty Foods in Arizona
Today we’d like to introduce you to Judy Egge.

Judy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I worked in the grocery store food industry selling national brands calling on stores & buyers… I was a top performer & even won a trip to Superbowl XX for being one of the top producers in the industry. I had a great job with a good salary & benefits… That came to an end & became very depressed.

I got a part time job working for a friend in the horse publishing industry, watched her run her business & wished to do what she did… Run a business that could not fail due to great work ethics.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s never an easy path! What to do every day, how to make it the next day with no guidance… Survive or don’t! I choose to survive! Finances, websites, accounting, sales, marketing, how, what, where, when????

Please tell us about your business.
Sunshine Specialty Foods is a producer of what we believe is the best tasting relish (zucchini, pepper & onion) in the world! It’s made in small batches & is consistent in flavor every time! We offer several varieties…

Sweet & Tangy, Sweet Jalapeno (everyone can use this one), Sweet Habanero, Sweet Corn, Corn & Black Bean with Jalapenos… Added a hot Tomatillo Relish & a Pina Colada Tropical Topping as well as gift sets & large sizes…. For expansion!

We work farmer’s markets, sell in specialty stores & offer gift sets in all price ranges. We get our customers hooked providing recipe ideas & great marketing tools! I chose to not add any more products to sell at grocery store outlets due to it being such a competitive & expensive industry.

I also started a specialty food brokerage business as well, since I call on specialty retailers, have contacts, understand the industry & to choose what I love to do, I may as well bring along many other companies with me as I can.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
As long as you love what you do, stand behind it & be happy… You can’t fail! Make sure you have the income to survive!