SAN FRANCISCO—This weekend at the annual Winter Fancy Food Show, people coming from the four compass points of the nation – and beyond – will have an opportunity to taste the many reasons that give Virginia a unique flavor, such as barbecue, sauces, ham, bacon and, you guessed it, peanuts.

Hosted by The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Commonwealth will be represented by 15 companies presenting the best of what Virginia has to offer in the way of specialty foods.

Five of the businesses will feature gourmet peanuts and related products, and two of them are from Southampton County.

This is the second winter show for Belmont Peanuts of Southampton Inc., said Patsy Marks, president of the Capron-based company.

“It’s well-attended by buyers, and it’s an opportunity for us to exhibit and show our goods, and meet the potential customers we can work with on an ongoing basis,” she said, “And spread the word about that great Virginia type peanut.”

The other area business is FERIDIES/The Peanut Patch Inc., also quite familiar with the exhibitions.

“We’ve been doing the show since 1984,” said Ted Fries. He’s one of the principal family members that operate the company, and will be going to the show with his wife, Jane.

“Miss Judy [Riddick] started going out at the summer show,” Fries said. “We’re among the first gourmet peanut company to go to those shows.”

“It’s good business. You learn what’s going on in the retail business around the country –

and in the food business in general,” he added.

Preparation is a year-long process, with the organization done three to four months before each show.

“You do everything for your business, such as the catalogue. Everything has to be right,” said Fries.

To learn more about the Fancy Food Show, visit www.specialtyfood.com/fancy-food-show/winter-fancy-food-show.