When Southern Specialties was founded in 1990 by Robert Colescott, its name reflected precisely what the company set out to do — provide specialty products. Its primary customer category at that time was the foodservice industry.

Charlie Eagle, vice president of business development for the Pompano Beach, FL-based company explained why.

Southern Selects’ crispy French Beans with spicy dipping sauce.“At that time California cuisine, Nouveau cuisine and the popularity of celebrity chefs were in their infancy as trends,” said Eagle. “Specialty is in our name, and it was a natural for our products to find their way into the kitchens of the nation’s finest chefs. Our roots are in foodservice.”

The company’s product line grew over the years, and as it did the products became the excitement on the plate in restaurants.

It also evolved and diversified during its 25 years. Its customer base grew to include retail chains, club stores, gourmet independent retailers, wholesalers and terminal markets.

“Today we enjoy a customer base that includes the leading companies in each of these sectors across North America,” said Eagle. “For the past several years we have marketed our ‘Southern Selects’ line of value-added vegetables.

“Our experience with performance film technologies has enabled us to create foodservice packaging that helps to extend the shelf life of our products, create simple inventory control, help improve food safety and reduce labor costs for restaurants, hotels and institutions,” he added.

Southern Specialties’ menu of products has grown exponentially during its history. Today it includes high-quality specialty vegetables, heirloom tomatoes, tropical fruits, including limes, avocados and much more.

“We have also developed a line of customized packs that enables foodservice operators and retail stores alike to utilize our products without waste,” explained Eagle. “Our two-pound multi-pack case is a perfect example. It includes a selection of three or four specialty vegetables, customized for our clients’ needs. We work closely to offer product lines that create true value for our foodservice operation customers.”

Although Southern Specialties will not exhibit at the PMA Foodservice Conference & Expo in July, it will have a strong presence there. In addition to Eagle, in attendance will be Geno Valdes, vice president of sales and marketing; Susana Troop, senior account manager, foodservice; and Rochelle Seaman, foodservice account manager.

“We will be there to mingle with clients and prospective clients,” said Eagle. “We’re proud to celebrate our 25th anniversary this year, and we look forward to sharing all of our great news with those at the event.”