“I am happy to report that Southern Specialties is enjoying a good year,” said Charlie Eagle, the vice president of business development at the company which offers more than 250 SKUs and can ship product to most of the key population centers around the country. “We are experiencing continued growth, with no natural events to impact us and we are operating at peak production.”

In business for more than 33 years and with a strong reputation within the produce industry, Southern Specialties officials are always eager to attend shows to engage with its customers as well as get the word out to the rest of the industry what it can do for them.

It also means that the company’s staff is collectively doing its homework well before the show starts to maximize exposure and get attendees into the Southern Specialties booth.

“Southern Exposure is our favorite show of the year,” Eagle noted. “We have an opportunity to meet our existing customers and introduce Southern Specialties to the rest of the industry. For example, our entire sales team is engaged in getting the word out to customers and prospects in advance of the show to maximize our investment. Plus, having a membership in the organization provides us an opportunity to hear from industry leaders and exceptional speakers.”

 Eagle said the company will be showcasing its Southern Selects value-added lineup that now includes both conventional and organic snipped green beans, green onions, seasonal Mexican asparagus from Caborca at the show. Company officials are also excited about informing attendees about Southern Specialties upcoming Michigan asparagus deal, he added.

Overall, Eagle said that Southern Selects value-added specialties include asparagus, French beans, hand trimmed baby carrots and heirloom tomatoes that can create great excitement on a family’s table. He explained they are available in a pack style which is ideal for any consumer, whether they are a couple, large family, caterer or corporate chef.

In the end, Eagle is adamant that the one-on-one relationships with industry officials and customers is paramount to the success of the company. The philosophy has existed for all of the company’s history and Eagle promises will continue long into the future.

There is nothing better than greeting our customers and entertaining in a relaxed atmosphere,” he said. “We are proud of our company and those products we bring to market. Southern Specialties has a strong ‘partnership’ philosophy that extends beyond the shows we attend.

“We want potential customers to know our value as a company goes beyond daily transactions,” Eagle continued. “If we successfully convey that message the show is a win for both Southern Specialties and our customers.”

The show is also about talking about the future of the company and what is needed to stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly competitive and challenging environment. Eagle said that Southern Specialties is aware of these challenges and taking the right steps to be successful.

“We continue to make investments in our company, our people and our infrastructure,” he noted. “We would not be making these investments if we were not bullish on the future of the company and the industry. Our growth plans include optimizing opportunities for our customers to receive our products from McAllen, TX and San Luis, AZ, shipping points,” Eagle said. “We continue to expand on our successful Southern Selects lineup, as well.”