Student-inspired spice Holy Smokes hits the shelves

Holy Smokes, a Badia Spices pork and meat rub inspired by a mix created by FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management (CSHTM) recent graduate Jenifer Bound, is now available for purchase around the world.

Bound was the winner of a competition hosted by CSHTM and Badia Spices last fall while she was still a hospitality student. Her winning original spice, a combination of smoked paprika, white pepper, roasted garlic powder, cumin, smoked sea salt, cocoa powder, chipotle chili powder and brown sugar, won her a $5,000 scholarship and bragging rights, since Badia Spices is marketing the new spice mix. Holy Smokes was launched at the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE in February 2014.

“Our partnership with Badia Spices gave us the opportunity to provide one of our students with a once in a life time opportunity,” said Mike Hampton, dean of CSHTM. “Through our various partnerships with industry leaders like Badia Spices, we continuously offer our students opportunities like this one that give our students invaluable exposure and industry experience.”  

In South Florida, the smoked sea salt spice mix can be found at major retailers such as Publix, Winn-Dixie, Sedano’s, Presidente Supermarket, Bravo Supermarket, Western Beef, Broward Meats/Fish, and Milam’s Markets. It is also being sold in 86 countries across the globe. A percentage of worldwide sales of the unique spice blend will benefit FIU students in perpetuity.

CSHTM is organizing another contest in conjunction with Badia Spices to benefit students with scholarships and other opportunities for fall 2014.