18-03-2025
Two northern Illinois-made products advance in 2025 Maker's Madness contest
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — Two products made in northern Illinois have advanced to the Top 16 in the state's annual Maker's Madness competition.
Whiskey Acres Blue Popcorn Bourbon, made by Whiskey Acres Distilling Company in DeKalb, and Aerosoal Spray Cheese, made by Berner Food and Bevereage LLC in Dakota, are contending for the title of 'Coolest Thing Made in Illinois' in 2025.
The Maker's Madness contest is a bracket-style tournament in which voters across the state vote for their favorite Illinois-made product.
The Illinois Manufacturer's Association, which runs the annual event, said nearly 250,000 votes were cast in the 6th annual contest.
More than 250 products were nominated this year.
According to a press release, the top four vote-getters from the initial round of voting are Gindo's Spice of Life made by Gindo's in St. Charles; Chef Heatley`s Hot Pepper Farm Salsa made by Chef Heatley in Sandwich; Titanium Vacuum Chamber manufactured by Meyer Tool & Manufacturing in Oak Lawn; and Whiskey Acres Blue Popcorn Bourbon made by Whiskey Acres Distilling Co. in DeKalb.
'The Top 16 products to advance in the Makers Madness contest represent the breadth and depth of Illinois manufacturing sector, showcasing the creativity and innovation that drives our state and nation,' said Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturer's Association. 'Best of luck to all the contestants, we look forward to some friendly competition and can`t wait to see which products will make it into the next round.'
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