New hydrocooler helps Southern Specialties keep pace at California facility
New hydrocooler helps Southern Specialties keep pace at California facility
Charlie Eagle, vice president of business development for Southern Specialties, headquartered in Pompano Beach, FL, recently announced that the company installed a hydrocooler in its Santa Fe Springs, CA, facility.
"The facility, which is in the Los Angeles area, has proven to be a very successful addition to our company since it opened earlier this year," said Mr. Eagle. We installed the hydrocooler in mid-August to help us keep pace with the growing demand for our specialty produce lines. It is a state-of-the-art piece of equipment, which will help to ensure that product reaches market in the prime condition that is associated with our brands.
The hydrocooler will pull down the temperature of four pallets of asparagus to 33-34 degrees Fahrenheit within 10 minutes and at 100 percent humidity, which is the ideal condition for fresh asparagus. It is also used to store the product once the perfect temperature is reached.
Southern Specialties' objective in opening a California facility was to provide customers with enhanced deliveries through the port of Long Beach, CA. It is centrally located within major highways and seaports, enabling the company to service its western clients faster and more efficiently.
Peter Klimczak, who has been in the fresh produce business for many years, was appointed manager of Southern Specialties West Coast office. He joined the company in June specifically to oversee the California operation.
The facility will complement our ongoing movement from the port of Miami, Mr. Eagle said. Customers throughout the West will receive product in an even faster and more efficient period of time than they did before. The ability to do this will enhance our position in the high-quality specialty produce line throughout the West.
Mr. Eagle said that the first products handled at the facility were green and white asparagus from Peru, plus sno peas and sugar snap peas. The companys Brazilian papayas have also begun moving through the Santa Fe Springs location. Plans are now in the works to expand the product line with additional commodities. The new location will also help the company bring its expansion strategies to fruition in a more timely manner.
Our goal is not to have an identical match of services with our eastern distribution abilities but to be able to seek products that can create value for our customers in both areas of the country, said Mr. Eagle.
The company announced several new products earlier this year that are marketed under the Southern Selects label, a brand that was developed to signify outstanding product profile and quality. Great for Grilling asparagus is packaged in a bright, colorful wrapper with graphics that depict flames shooting up from around asparagus, indicating it is a perfect item for grilling. The packaging also includes preparation tips and recipes.
Also under the Southern Selects label, the company introduced asparagus tips earlier this year.
The asparagus has been trimmed to approximately five-inch lengths, explained Mr. Eagle. For retail sales, it is packaged in eight-ounce bunches. But it is also available in custom-sized packages for the foodservice industry. It is a perfect product for restaurants because it is extremely cost effective, labor saving and there is no waste.
Southern Specialties is a fully integrated firm that works closely with distribution and retail partners. Mr. Eagle said that the company believes that only by working closely with professionals on all levels of the supply chain will everyone enjoy the fruits and vegetables of their labor.
"The facility, which is in the Los Angeles area, has proven to be a very successful addition to our company since it opened earlier this year," said Mr. Eagle. We installed the hydrocooler in mid-August to help us keep pace with the growing demand for our specialty produce lines. It is a state-of-the-art piece of equipment, which will help to ensure that product reaches market in the prime condition that is associated with our brands.
The hydrocooler will pull down the temperature of four pallets of asparagus to 33-34 degrees Fahrenheit within 10 minutes and at 100 percent humidity, which is the ideal condition for fresh asparagus. It is also used to store the product once the perfect temperature is reached.
Southern Specialties' objective in opening a California facility was to provide customers with enhanced deliveries through the port of Long Beach, CA. It is centrally located within major highways and seaports, enabling the company to service its western clients faster and more efficiently.
Peter Klimczak, who has been in the fresh produce business for many years, was appointed manager of Southern Specialties West Coast office. He joined the company in June specifically to oversee the California operation.
The facility will complement our ongoing movement from the port of Miami, Mr. Eagle said. Customers throughout the West will receive product in an even faster and more efficient period of time than they did before. The ability to do this will enhance our position in the high-quality specialty produce line throughout the West.
Mr. Eagle said that the first products handled at the facility were green and white asparagus from Peru, plus sno peas and sugar snap peas. The companys Brazilian papayas have also begun moving through the Santa Fe Springs location. Plans are now in the works to expand the product line with additional commodities. The new location will also help the company bring its expansion strategies to fruition in a more timely manner.
Our goal is not to have an identical match of services with our eastern distribution abilities but to be able to seek products that can create value for our customers in both areas of the country, said Mr. Eagle.
The company announced several new products earlier this year that are marketed under the Southern Selects label, a brand that was developed to signify outstanding product profile and quality. Great for Grilling asparagus is packaged in a bright, colorful wrapper with graphics that depict flames shooting up from around asparagus, indicating it is a perfect item for grilling. The packaging also includes preparation tips and recipes.
Also under the Southern Selects label, the company introduced asparagus tips earlier this year.
The asparagus has been trimmed to approximately five-inch lengths, explained Mr. Eagle. For retail sales, it is packaged in eight-ounce bunches. But it is also available in custom-sized packages for the foodservice industry. It is a perfect product for restaurants because it is extremely cost effective, labor saving and there is no waste.
Southern Specialties is a fully integrated firm that works closely with distribution and retail partners. Mr. Eagle said that the company believes that only by working closely with professionals on all levels of the supply chain will everyone enjoy the fruits and vegetables of their labor.
