The products of all food/drink participants in Indiana Artisan are juried by two panels, one that evaluates packaging, labeling and appearance, and one that evaluates taste, texture and appearance.

Each food application and sample will be reviewed using the following expectations.

1.   Taste (25 points max.  Must score minimum of 15.)

2.   Appearance of product (25 points max.  Must score minimum of 15.)

• A positive comparability with a retail norm (15 points max)
• Consistency within the product (10 points max)

3.   Appearance of packaging (25 points max.  Must score minimum of 15.)

• Overall attractiveness - distinctiveness among products on a shelf (10 points max)
• The design complements the intent of the package and/or food (10 points max)
• Clear wording and labeling (5 points max)

NOTE:  Any product not meeting Indiana State Department of Health labeling requirements will be disqualified.

4.  Marketability (25 points max.  Must score minimum of 15.)

• An identifiable consumer market segment exists for this product (10 points max)
• The product and price are appropriate for the expected market (10 points max)
• The product supports the development of the specific Indiana Artisan brand (5 points max)

Artisans must be willing to create/produce/grow their product on a regular schedule, but they need not be a full-time food producer.  Applicants must state whether they are willing to sell their product on consignment to both the wholesale and retail markets, however willingness is not a factor in adjudication. Artisans must produce their product in Indiana, and sales representatives are not eligible for this organization.

The work of artisans producing products identified as Native American will not be accepted into the organization if their work is not made by a Native American. The Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 makes it illegal to sell or display for sale, any product not made by Native American Indians in a way that falsely suggests it was. If submitting Native American work, please submit a copy of your membership card in a federally recognized Indian tribe, band, nation, or organized group or community, with your entry for authenticity purposes.

If your product is labeled as organic, you must provide your, or your supplier's, certificate number on the application in the space marked. 

All artisans whose product(s) adjudicates into Indiana Artisan must participate in the required workshop on Tuesday, June 19, 2012, in order to fully participate in this organization (see timeline below).

Applicants who meet the April 25, 2012 deadline with a properly completed application need to submit a sample of their product(s) by May 16 that will be tasted and reviewed. Jurors will complete a scoring sheet and include comments designed to explain why the submission was accepted, and, if not accepted, designed to be helpful in improving and/or marketing the artisan’s work. Jurors’ comments are compiled and e-mailed to artisan applicants along with notification of the jury results and the jurors’ recommendations. Applicants not selected for the program are encouraged to reapply.