Paso Robles business gains national recognition as semifinalist in UPS Small Biz Contest

PASO ROBLES, Calif. - A Paso Robles business called Jamy's Fine Foods was chosen as one of 10 semifinalists in the UPS 2020 Small Biz Challenge Contest.

The UPS Store Small Biz Challenge started in January and received over 1,500 applications. However, all future 2020 events have unfortunately been canceled due to COVID-19.

As a result, each of the 10 semifinalists was awarded a $1,000 prize.

Jamy's Fine Foods is run by Amy and Jaime Paniagua from Paso Robles.

Amy and Jaime's prize-winning idea was a product aimed at enhancing the healthy food industry. Their product the "Veggie Pod" is filled with 12 to 15 locally sourced ingredients which are blended whole, not cold-pressed, and injected into a small pod before being frozen.

Amy and Jaime said they came up with Veggie Pods after they both received medical diagnoses that pushed them to make a lifestyle change.

The Veggie Pod is designed to be a cost-effective and time-saving answer to eating fresh produce. Rather than buying pre-made smoothies that are already packed with sugar, Amy and Jaime decided to blend fresh veggies and fruits beforehand and freeze them for future use.

Amy & Jaime's Veggie Pods are stocked in freezers at the CA Fresh Market in Pismo Beach and San Luis Obispo, SLO Natural Foods Co-Op in San Luis Obispo, Sunshine Market in Morro Bay, Soto's True Earth Market in Cambria, Caliwala Market & Deli in Santa Margarita and Etto Pastificio in Paso Robles.

Amy and Jaime said Veggie Pods are manufactured at an FDA approved plant and are ready for delivery.