Three Maine companies are finalists for a 2018 Good Food Award, given annually to independent food producers who meet certain environmental and agricultural standards.

Finalists are chosen by the non-profit Good Food Foundation from a blind tasting of more than 2,000 entries. This year’s entries were whittled down to 279 in 15 categories, from cheese to chocolate.

Maine finalists are Portland-based Allagash Brewing Co. in the beer category for it’s “16 Counties” brew made with 100 percent Maine-grown grains; Royal Rose Syrups in Brunswick in the Elixirs category for its Rose Syrup; and Gold Star Honeybees in Waterville in the honey category for its Gold Star Gold honey.

The winners will be announced Jan. 19 at an awards ceremony and gala in San Francisco.