Southern Specialties stays ahead of the trends
Southern Specialties stays ahead of the trends
Officials at Southern Specialties are confident they have all their bases covered when it comes to offering their expanding line of produce.
Now, the Pompano Beach, FL-based company is excited to showcase and talk about these items at the upcoming IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show.
“After 35 years in business we continue to adapt to consumer trends and customer needs, while building on our reputation for innovation and reliability,” said company President and CEO Robert Colescott. “Our processing operations are expanding, with new services including bagging of fruits, flow-pack machines for trays, and clamshell machines for berries. We’ve also invested in value-added convenience items that meet the growing demand from both retail and foodservice customers.”
Colescott emphasized the importance of staying on top of key issues to ensure maximum growth and cost savings.
“In today’s competitive world, if you’re not focused on eliminating waste and keeping operations lean, you risk putting yourself out of business,” he noted. “Across the industry, consolidation is creating efficiencies and competitive advantages. Digital technology, predictive analytics and automation play an increasing role throughout supply chains and procurement, but produce is still unique — it requires seasoned professionals who understand Mother Nature and can make the right calls when conditions shift.”
“At Southern Specialties, we leverage technology, but we never forget that human experience and judgment remain irreplaceable,” continued Colescott. “For customers, it comes down to partnership. We encourage them to plan ahead, stay flexible, and work with suppliers like us who are committed to transparency, efficiency, and delivering value despite market pressures.”
That is why it is so important to get the message out to the trade about what Southern Specialties is offering and how it can help build their business.
“At IFPA this year, we are showcasing a range of exciting programs,” Colescott said. “We’ve expanded our organic offerings to include asparagus, green beans, French beans, Brussels sprouts and soon broccoli. Our avocado program has grown significantly, now sourcing from Peru, Colombia, Dominican Republic and Mexico — with Guatemala to be added next year. We are also introducing bagging services for avocados, citrus, and other tropical fruits. We want attendees to walk away knowing Southern Specialties is a forward-thinking partner with the products, infrastructure and services to support their success year-round.”
He added that convenience continues to be a key growth driver especially as consumers are more time-constrained than ever and restaurants face constant labor shortages.
“That’s why our value-added retail line offers fresh vegetables and blends that are ready to cook in just minutes — no prep, no cutting,” Colescott said. “For foodservice, we provide larger size packaging formats that maximize cooler space, protect product integrity and help chefs with portion control and inventory management. We’re also exploring eco-friendly packaging options that balance functionality, sustainability, and cost efficiency.
Focusing on the future is another key strategy for the company. Colescott said that Southern Specialties will continue to focus on genetics to play a pivotal role in its growth.
“We’re working with improved varieties of blueberries, specialty tomatoes, green beans and Brussels sprouts, and will soon launch stringless sugar snap peas and stringless snow peas,” he said. “We’re also expanding our supply chain strategy to reduce reliance on ocean carriers by moving toward direct land shipping from Guatemala through Mexico, while investing in new growing projects in Baja and the interior of Mexico.
“Of course, we face obstacles such as logistics delays, labor strikes and unnecessary freight cost hikes, but we see these as opportunities to strengthen our model and build resilience. Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention our people. Since the COVID disruptions, many companies tell me their biggest challenge is workforce. At Southern Specialties, I’m proud to say it’s the opposite. Our people are our strength. We’ve maintained our culture, stuck together through challenging times, and never backed down. It’s because of them that we can celebrate 35 years with confidence in the future.”
