Croix Valley Foods

Croix Valley Foods is an award-winning American barbecue brand rooted in competition cooking and a passion for bold, authentic flavor. The company was founded by husband-and-wife team Damon Holter and Lou Holter in the St. Croix River Valley, which inspired the company’s name.

Before launching the brand, Damon and Lou built their reputation on the professional barbecue circuit as the Croix Valley BBQ competition team. Their success on the circuit led them to develop their own line of sauces, dry rubs, marinades, and glazes, bringing competition-level flavor to backyard cooks.

In addition to their competition success, Damon and Lou have been featured as hosts and experts on Food Network, where they share their expertise in grilling, smoking, and flavor development with a wider audience.

Croix Valley has earned widespread recognition in the barbecue world, including multiple top finishes at the American Royal World Series of Barbecue, widely considered the largest and most competitive BBQ event in the world. Their products have also taken home honors at the Scovie Awards, one of the top competitions for sauces and seasonings, along with awards from the National Barbecue Association for excellence in barbecue product development.

These accolades reflect Croix Valley’s commitment to quality, consistency, and flavor. Each product is crafted to enhance food rather than overpower it, making their sauces, rubs, and marinades versatile for grilling, smoking, roasting, and everyday cooking.

Today, Croix Valley Foods continues to grow while staying true to its competition roots, helping both professional pitmasters and home cooks create bold, memorable meals with confidence.