There are categories in the specialty fresh produce industry that are showing real strength today. And Pompano Beach-headquartered Southern Specialties is on top of them.

Charlie Eagle, vice president of business development for the Pompano Beach-based company, told The Produce News that the trends continue to evolve in several different directions.

“We’re seeing an ongoing increase in the demand for convenience, nutrition and flavor,” explained Eagle.

Southern Specialties ‘Southern Selects’ line of value-added products is a destination for consumers in produce departments.“We provide all of these aspects to our clients by customizing our offerings with consideration made to suit the needs of a variety of consumers,” he continued. “Many of our branded ‘Southern Selects’ products are available in pack styles that provide value by microwave convenience. And we offer hand-selected, harvested and trimmed non-GMO products that have great flavor, are healthful and have tremendous eye appeal.”

Southern Specialties grows and distributes green, white and purple asparagus, and it sees continued demand from retailers to provide variety throughout the category.

Eagle pointed out that these selections create excitement on the shelves and options for consumers.

“’Southern Selects’ specialty microwave lineup has become a destination area on retail shelves for busy home cooks seeking simple solutions for delicious and nutritious meals,” said Eagle. “This line includes French beans, sugar snaps, snow peas, hand peeled English peas, yellow French beans, hand peeled Brussels sprouts, trimmed asparagus and baby squash.”

He noted that many of these items are also available in larger packs suitable for holiday and celebration gatherings and for large families. And the products are available year round.

“Southern Selects” true heirloom tomatoes have become a mainstay in many retail tomato displays. Eagles said they provide unique flavors, shapes and colors.

“Our heirloom tomatoes are more popular than ever,” said Eagle. “And year-round availability has helped spur the growth of this category.”

Southern Specialties also offers limes, mangos and papayas year round, and its starfruit and avocados are available seasonally.

The company also has a year-round “Southern Selects” berry programs that includes blueberries, blackberries and raspberries.

“We have also seen increased demand for many of our specialty items from our foodservice distribution partners,” said Eagle. “We feel that significant availability, good pricing and Southern Specialty’s drive to provide customers with new products has fueled the increased growth in the franchise and QSR arena.”

Eagle also stressed that sustainability is an important factor in today’s marketplace, noting, “Every aspect of sustainability is a part of Southern Specialties’ DNA. It’s simply part of what we do.”