“We’ll be at Booth No. 215 at the Southern Exposure expo, and we’re looking forward to it,” said Louis Hymel, director of purchasing and marketing for Spice World Inc., headquartered in Orlando, FL.

“I’ll be joined by Chris Whitson, vice president of sales; Mitch DiMarco, director of foodservice and other executive and staff members; Drew Caneza, Arden Laughter and Jon Buchwald,” he added.

Hymel noted that Spice World has been a member of the Southeast Produce Council for eight years, and the 2015 Southern Exposure event will be its eight consecutive year as an exhibitor.

Orlando, FL-based Spice World Inc. will display its full line of a wide variety of garlic products at the Southern Exposure event, including its popular ‘Squeeze Garlic.’ (Photo courtesy of Spice World Inc.)The company will display its full line of a wide variety of garlic products at the event, including its popular “Squeeze Garlic.”

The product was an instant success when it was introduced a few years ago. Today Spice World offers “Squeeze Garlic” in both conventional and organic options.

Spice World covers all aspects of the garlic industry, including growing, packing, marketing and distribution. It is totally integrated in every way — from seed to plate, and it has its own seed program.

“We’re a California grower and producer, and we offer the highest quality California garlic in both conventional and organic options in a wide array of packaging and processed items,” explained Hymel. “Our extensive line of garlic options, in addition to ‘Squeeze Garlic,’ is comprised of fresh whole bulbs in bulk, cello and mesh bags, whole peeled, ready-to-use minced garlic in jars and more.”

Hymel feels that the Southern Exposure Conference & Expo is an outstanding event.

“Florida is always a good location for an event such as this, especially at this time of year,” he said. “It draws many of our customers from all over the country because they love coming to sunny Florida after experiencing a few months of cold weather in their hometowns.

“An added perk is that Spice World is headquartered in Orlando, so we can host many of our out-of-town customers for a visit to our facility,” he continued “We have hosted educational tours to our facility in previous years in conjunction with Southern Exposure, but even when we don’t, our facility is always open for anyone in the industry to visit.”

He added that Spice World recently completed installation of new optic sorting equipment for its peeled garlic at its California operation.

Argentina garlic imports are now running, with heavier volumes yet to come.

“However, many U.S.— especially West Coast — port issues have created many unpredicted delays,” explained Hymel. “We have begun selling some Argentina garlic, but because of the high prices supplies are limited and the market is firm.”