Southern Specialties readies for heirloom tomato start
Southern Specialties readies for heirloom tomato start
Southern Specialties’ Florida-grown heirloom tomato deal starts at the end of November, Charlie Eagle, vice president of business development for Southern Specialties, headquartered in Pompano Beach, FL, said in late October. “This will be part of a comprehensive heirloom program that includes tomatoes grown in Guatemala and Mexico.”
The company uses its well-known “Southern Selects” label on the heirloom tomatoes and other products that it ships to retailers and club stores. It also does a major business in the foodservice sector.
“We continue to be a leader with expertise in facilitating offshore production logistics through Florida,” said Eagle. “We also have facilities in McAllen, Texas, and in Los Angeles.”
Southern Specialties was founded in 1990 by Robert Colescott, president and chief executive officer. After years of success as a grower and supplier to the foodservice industry, it expanded its product line to include a variety of offerings for the retail and club store sectors. The “Southern Selects” brand was developed fortoday’s educated consumers.
“Southern Specialties controls all aspects of growing, importing, processing and distributing its always expanding menu of specialty fruits and vegetables from the best farms in the Americas,” said Eagle. “Our foundation resides in the quality of people and businesses that make up our culture and enterprise.”
The company’s integrated supply chain enables it to offer added value to its customers and consumers, from the ground up. Retailers, private label customers and foodservice distributors enjoy the benefits of working with a company that has the capacity to grow, process, pack and warehouse in state of the art environments. Its distribution and logistics companies streamline transportation from its facilities.
“For over 22 years, Southern Specialties has been an expert in the field of growing quality assured products offshore, and we have developed the expertise of quickly and efficiently transporting those products through the ports of south Florida,” said Eagle. “That level of expedience and efficiency extends throughout the transportation process to our customers across the country and into Canada while maintaining the cold chain.”