Our first product, released in 2009, was born in our family's steakhouse in 1996, when founder Damon Holter created what would become our Original Steak Sauce & Marinade, and began serving it with every meal.
The Croix Valley Story: A Global Culinary Legacy
Imagine a small kitchen, the rich aroma of a sizzling grill, and the birth of recipes that would go on to captivate taste buds across the world. It all started with a signature steak sauce, crafted to perfection and served with every meal—so irresistible that diners insisted it be bottled and shared.
By 2009, that single sauce had grown into something greater: an entire line of award-winning culinary products. Today, Croix Valley Foods is celebrated for its range of over 40 gourmet marinades, barbecue and wing sauces, dry rubs, seasonings, and even signature blends designed to elevate cocktails like the Bloody Mary.
A Journey of Growth
From humble beginnings in a small production space, our all-natural, gluten-free products quickly gained recognition. As chefs, home cooks, and grill enthusiasts discovered the versatility of our range, demand spread beyond borders. Today, Croix Valley is a staple in kitchens, restaurants, butcher shops, and specialty food stores worldwide, reaching customers across Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and beyond.
To meet growing international demand, Croix Valley Foods established a cutting-edge production facility in 2023, where every bottle and blend is crafted with precision and passion. This ensures the highest quality for those who appreciate premium flavors, whether cooking over open flames, on a stovetop, or in a competition setting.
Championship-Winning Flavor
Croix Valley Foods has become a trusted name in the world of competitive cooking, with its products helping chefs, grillmasters, and pitmasters secure top honors in prestigious food sport events. Used by professional competitors at the highest levels, our sauces and seasonings have played a key role in winning numerous World Championships in steak, barbecue, and chili competitions.
Beyond the competition circuit, industry experts have recognized Croix Valley for its commitment to excellence. Our products have received over 100 awards for superior taste, quality, and innovation from respected organizations such as the National Barbecue Association, National Barbecue News, the Scovie Awards, Lux Life, and Fiery Foods Awards.
Join the Culinary Revolution
Whether you're a professional chef, an aspiring pitmaster, or simply someone who loves to cook, Croix Valley Foods invites you to discover why our products have become a global favorite. No matter your cooking style—grilling, smoking, roasting, or even air frying—our expertly crafted flavors will transform any meal into an unforgettable experience.
Take your cooking to the next level with Croix Valley. Taste the difference. Elevate your dishes. And above all—enjoy the journey.
"We’ll see you around the grill!" — Damon & Lu Holter, Owners of Croix Valley
Damon Holter - Owner
With over 15 years in the restaurant industry, Damon Holter turned his passion for bold flavors into a global culinary phenomenon. As the founder of Croix Valley Foods, he has developed an award-winning line of sauces, seasonings, and marinades that have earned international acclaim, making an impact in professional kitchens, backyard barbecues, and competition circuits worldwide.
Damon is not just a food entrepreneur—he is a barbecue and grilling expert whose mastery of live-fire cooking has propelled him to the top of the competitive food scene. His achievements span the globe, with victories in prestigious contests across Europe, North America, and the Pacific, including awards in the Netherlands, Germany, New Zealand, and beyond. His expertise has led him to multiple World Championship titles in food sport, including back-to-back victories as the World Sandwich Champion and a World Open Chili Championship title.
A decorated competitor in the Kansas City Barbecue Society, Steak Cookoff Association, World Food Championships, International Chili Society, and more, Damon has secured hundreds of wins in professional competitions. His talent has also made him a sought-after culinary personality, with regular appearances on television, including segments on national and local broadcasts. He has been featured on the Travel Channel’s American Grilled, hosted Fired Up Food for the Outside Television Network, and showcased his skills on Food Network’s Family Food Showdown.
Beyond the kitchen, Damon is an accomplished outdoorsman, a world-record-holding fisherman, a wildlife artist, and a musician—bringing the same passion and creativity to every pursuit as he does to his cooking. Whether inspiring home cooks, leading food trends, or dominating on the world stage, Damon Holter continues to redefine barbecue excellence across the globe.
Lu Holter - Owner
With a decade in the legal field behind her, Lu Holter turned her focus to building Croix Valley Foods into an internationally recognized brand. As co-owner, she has played a key role in expanding the company’s award-winning product line, overseeing its growth from a small startup to a globally celebrated name in the world of sauces, seasonings, and barbecue.
Lu’s passion for food and flavor led her into the world of professional cooking competitions, where she quickly made a name for herself. As a championship-winning competitor in the Kansas City Barbecue Society, Steak Cookoff Association, World Food Championships, and other elite contests, she has claimed victories in food sport arenas across the globe—including in Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Italy, and beyond. Her expertise in barbecue and live-fire cooking has not only earned her numerous awards but also the respect of competitors and judges alike.
Beyond the competition circuit, Lu has traveled extensively to promote Croix Valley Foods on the international stage, bringing the brand to culinary events and trade shows in Canada, Germany, Italy, London, and other major markets. Her hands-on approach to brand building includes live cooking demonstrations, product samplings, and engaging with chefs and food enthusiasts worldwide.
Her talents have also landed her on television, where she has competed on Food Network’s Family Food Showdown, BBQ Brawl, and Guy’s Grocery Games, showcasing her culinary skills to a global audience.
When she’s not busy shaping the future of Croix Valley, Lu finds peace in the outdoors, tending to her backyard koi pond, kayaking, and fishing. Whether she’s behind the grill, on the competition stage, or traveling the world to share the Croix Valley experience, Lu Holter is a true force in the global culinary scene.
