Croix Valley Foods Receives President’s “E” Award for Exporting Excellence

Hudson, Wisconsin, June 6, 2023 -- Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo hosted the 62nd President’s “E” Awards ceremony at the Herbert C. Hoover Building, where she presented Croix Valley Foods with the President’s “E” Award. The “E” Award is the highest recognition a U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.

In recognizing Croix Valley, Secretary Raimondo said, “Croix Valley Foods has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion. The “E” Awards Committee was impressed with Croix Valley Foods’ steady increase in export sales. The company’s use of food sports events and other unique marketing activities to gain market acceptance of products for new markets was also particularly notable. Croix Valley Foods’ achievements have contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs. 

"On Behalf of President Biden, I congratulate Croix Valley Foods on its distinguished achievements in exports, which are delivering tangible benefits for local economies, workers, and their families. The world turns to the United States for innovative products and solutions thanks in part to U.S. businesses of all shapes and sizes that export. Croix Valley is a model that will inspire enterprises and entrepreneurs everywhere.”

Croix Valley Foods of Hudson, Wisconsin, a manufacturer of barbecue and grilling sauces, marinades, and spice blends, was given the honor on the heels of recently winning the Small Business Administration’s Exporter of the Year Award, and the Wisconsin Governor’s Export Achievement Award. With sales throughout Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Central America, Croix Valley’s export sales now account for 22% of the company’s business and continue to increase annually.

“It’s an honor to receive the recognition for increasing our sales in international markets,” said Damon Holter, owner of Croix Valley Foods. “Our commitment to showcasing the notion that Authentic American BBQ flavors have a home in a global landscape is an initiative that continues to drive sales and wouldn’t be possible without the commitment from our team, our international partners, and the droves of Croix Valley fans, who believe in our company and the products we produce.”

Croix Valley was nominated by the Wisconsin U.S. Export Assistance Center and joined by 10 other U.S. companies in being honored for their role in strengthening the U.S. economy by sharing American ingenuity outside of our borders.

About the “E” Awards

Since 1961 by the executive order of President John F. Kennedy, companies have been nominated for “E” Awards through the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service office network located within the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. Record years of successive export growth and a nominee’s demonstration of an innovative international marketing plan that led to increased exports is a significant factor in selecting the overall winners.

For more information about the “E” Awards, visit www.trade.gov

A few photos from Damon and Lu's trip to Washington D.C. to accept the President's "E" Award for Exporting Excellence

About Croix Valley Foods

Croix Valley is a manufacturer of award-winning barbecue sauces, marinades, dry rubs, and seasonings, established in 2009 and headquartered in Hudson, Wisconsin. From its humble beginnings in a 100-square-foot space in the back of a local meat market, Croix Valley has recently opened operations in its new 20,000-square-foot manufacturing facility and corporate headquarters. Beginning with a recipe for a family steak sauce, Croix Valley now produces over 45 all-natural, gluten-free products and offers private-label and co-packing services to hundreds of companies throughout North America.

For more information about Croix Valley, visit www.croixvalleyfoods.com