“We had a very strong Thanksgiving pull and we’re looking forward to a strong remaining holiday season,” Charlie Eagle, vice president of business development for Southern Specialties, a leading grower, importer and distributor of specialty produce, told The Produce News.

“We continue to receive asparagus from Peru and will open our Mexican deal in early January,” he continued. “We offer asparagus in a wide variety of value-added options, with sizes that are ideal for every consumer.”

Southern Specialties “Southern Selects” brand of asparagus tips and asparagus tenders are available in eight-ounce steamable microwaveable pouches. “And we offer larger bags that are suitable for families and for entertaining,” Eagle noted.

“Our green, purple and white asparagus create tremendous excitement on the plate, and are ideal for holiday meals,” he said.

Also perfect for entertaining are “Southern Selects” hand-trimmed French beans, which Eagle pointed out, “have been a holiday favorite for many years.”

He noted that the entire “Southern Selects” line of specialty produce provides fantastic flavor and great color for a multitude of holiday platters.

“In addition to our hand-peeled Brussels sprouts, we will now be offering hand-peeled purple Brussels sprouts,” which will add even more color and excitement on plates and platters,” said Eagle.

“Radicchio and Treviso make for colorful salads,” he continued. “Baby carrots, rainbow baby carrots, heirloom and baby heirloom tomatoes are all perfect to dress up dinner tables.”

Southern Specialties also offers blackberries from Guatemala and Mexico, blueberries from Chile and premium raspberries from Mexico — all under its popular “Southern Selects” label.

Southern Specialties was founded in 1990 by Robert Colescott, president and chief executive officer, who set out with a mission to provide the finest restaurants and hotels in the nation with the best quality specialty produce.

After years of success as a grower and supplier to the foodservice industry, its product line was expanded to include a variety of offerings for the retail and club store sectors. The “Southern Selects” brand was developed to meet the needs of today’s educated consumers.

The company controls all aspects of growing, importing, processing and distributing its ever-expanding menu of specialty fruits and vegetables from the best farms in the Americas. Eagles said its foundation resides in the quality of people and businesses that make up its culture and enterprise.

And Southern Specialties clearly understands how a touch of the tropics and warm colors can help liven up a holiday meal on a cold winter day.

“We offer high-quality limes from Guatemala,” said Eagle. “And our papayas and mangos are a welcome addition to consumers during the winter months.

“Our chili peppers help to spice up festivities,” he continued. “And our snow peas and sugar snap peas make perfect side dishes. All of Southern Specialties’ products are available year-round.”