Editor’s Top Picks: Specialty Items – February Issue 2026

Aussie Select

Aussie Select is bringing a breakthrough to the specialty protein category with the first lamb charcuterie available in the U.S. Made from premium, pasture-raised Australian lamb, the brand’s lineup includes Agave Rosemary Lamb, Tikka Masala Lamb, Lamb Pastrami and Lamb Prime Rib and offers operators and retailers a high-protein, clean-label option that meets modern menu demands. Designed for versatility, each item can be served chilled or heated, sliced for boards, folded into sandwiches or featured as an elevated center-of-plate component. With globally inspired flavors and consistent, ready-to-use preparation, Aussie Select helps kitchens reduce labor while delivering distinctive menu differentiation. Halal-certified and crafted without fillers or artificial additives, the products resonate with consumers seeking premium, non-pork alternatives. As demand for globally influenced, protein-forward offerings accelerates, Aussie Select is emerging as a standout specialty product for operators looking to innovate quickly and profitably.

 

Bono’s Sicilian Val Di Mazara PDO Organic EVOO

Bono’s Sicilian Val Di Mazara PDO Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil reflects an unmatched commitment to quality, traceability, and Sicilian heritage. Produced in Sciacca, in Sicily’s renowned Val di Mazara region – celebrated globally for exceptional olive oil – this organic EVOO carries the prestigious PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) certification, ensuring authenticity and regional excellence in every bottle. From the moment the olives begin to grow through bottling, the entire process is strictly monitored by a certifying body overseen by the Italian government. Crafted from native Sicilian olive varieties and cold-pressed using a continuous cycle system, the oil offers a delicate yet persistent aroma with notes of fresh grass, artichoke, and green tomato. Recognized with a Gold Award at the 2025 NYIOOC, Bono’s EVOO delivers both provenance and performance for everyday cooking and finishing.

 

Cedar’s Reserve Hommus

Cedar’s Reserve Hommus is an innovative, ultra-premium line that is redefining the hommus category. Unlike most products on the market, which rely on seed oils such as canola or sunflower, Cedar’s Reserve embraces a health-forward approach, using only heart-healthy olive and avocado oils. This choice results in a richer, cleaner, and more luxurious texture that mirrors authentic Mediterranean culinary traditions. Each batch is enhanced with extra tahini for added creaminess and finished with chef-inspired flavor blends, including Harissa, Olive Tapenade, and Lebanese Za’atar & Tahini, delivering a restaurant-quality experience with every bite.

 

Cheeky Cocktails’ Decaf Espresso Syrup

Savor the rich, deep flavor of espresso cocktails without the caffeine crash. Cheeky Cocktails’ Decaf Espresso Syrup is crafted in collaboration with Partners Coffee, this syrup delivers a smooth, velvety body and balanced sweetness every time. This syrup brings the full-bodied richness of a freshly brewed espresso martini to your home bar, requiring only the syrup and a base spirit for an indulgent, late-night cocktail that won’t keep you wired. Beyond martinis, it works seamlessly in coffee-forward mocktails, dessert drinks, creamy White Russians, or even chilled coffee milk for a low-caffeine treat. Whether you’re hosting a cozy brunch or winding down after dinner, Decaf Espresso Syrup delivers sophistication, flavor, and ease, elegantly bridging café-quality taste with cocktail culture, any time of day.

 

Common Coffee

Common Coffee, the brand making instant coffee cool again, is officially entering the U.S. market after winning over the United Kingdom with its premium “Instant Jar.” Made from 100% Brazilian Arabica beans and roasted on fully electric, renewable-energy–powered machines, the coffee is then freeze-dried to lock in its distinctive aroma and flavor, resulting in a smooth, clean, specialty-quality cup in moments. Common Coffee’s Instant Jar will launch on Amazon in early 2026. As Gen Z consumers increasingly look for easy-to-enjoy, specialty coffee options, Common Coffee is a leader in the next wave of instant coffee: quick, flavorful, and perfectly suited for modern life.

 

Deko Cocktails

Deko Cocktails is a premium ready-to-pour cocktail brand redefining convenience through intention, craftsmanship, and design. Founded in 2024, the brand was created for consumers who appreciate quality, ritual, and aesthetics—but want to skip the friction of measuring, shaking, and stocking a full bar. Rather than chasing trends or novelty flavors, Deko focuses on classic cocktail structures made with elevated ingredients and a restrained, spirit-forward approach. Each bottle is designed to mirror the experience of a thoughtfully made cocktail at home—composed, balanced, and unapologetically adult. The lineup includes three 375ml cocktails, each yielding four servings: The Bee’s Knees (a botanical gin cocktail with citrus and honey), Gold Rush (a bourbon-forward whiskey cocktail with lemon and wildflower honey), and Number 3(vodka with cucumber, elderflower, lime, and subtle heat). Recognized with gold medals from The Tasting Alliance and high ratings from Wine Enthusiast, Deko Cocktails offers a new standard for thoughtful, design-driven drinking at home.