“We are happy to announce that we are now marketing ‘Southern Selects’ hand peeled Brussels sprouts, a new item for our company,” Charlie Eagle, vice president of business development for Southern Specialties, headquartered in Pompano Beach, FL, told The Produce News. “We are growing the item in Guatemala, and we’re offering a variety of pack sizes.”

Pack sizes include eight-ounce, 12-ounce and one-pound packs, and the company will be introducing a new two-pound pack in the near future. Southern Specialties is also offering a foodservice pack of the Brussels 'Southern Selects' family of pack sizes for new Brussels sprouts.sprouts, which is two, two and one-half pound bags to an iceless box.

All of “Southern Selects” products are packed in modified atmosphere packaging that is specifically designed for each of its individual specialty items. Mr. Eagle explained that controlled oxygen transmission rates are different for each produce item, and controlled correctly it creates for an optimal environment that helps to extend the shelf life and help to maintain the item’s appearance and flavor.

“Southern Selects” French beans continue to perform extremely well. The item comes in a variety of pack sizes to suit every customer’s need.

“We have also increased our private label programs to allow us to continue to service some of the finest retailers in the nation,” said Mr. Eagle. “For 21 years, Southern Specialties has been the leading supplier of hand selected, hand trimmed gourmet French beans in the nation, and we maintain this leadership by providing our customers with the best flavor, texture, color and nutrition.

Southern Specialties is also one of the largest grower-importers of asparagus in the nation. Mr. Eagle said the company has witness its “Southern Selects” brand of asparagus gain in popularity in restaurant chains that in past years would never have offered the item on their menus.

“At one point, asparagus may have been considered an item for fine dining only,” he said. “But today we’re seeing it used across multiple dining categories. This is also true for our French beans, sugar snap peas and other products. And we’re seeing customers choose ‘Southern Selects’ as ‘the’ choice source for these items.

“Customers also see the value in single sourcing as opposed to using many suppliers,” Mr. Eagle continued. “Buyers who may at one time have bought only asparagus from us are now telling us that they also want limes, mangos and other items from Southern Specialties.”

Retailers, he added, are trying to maximize their freight dollar, and they see efficiencies in sourcing numerous specialty and other items from one source.

In late August, Southern Specialties announced that Brad Bailey had joined the company as the director of sales. Mr. Bailey has significant experience in sales and procurement in both the grower-shipper and retail sectors of the industry. He most recently held the position of executive director of procurement for Pero Family Farms in Delray Beach, FL. Mr. Bailey has also held several positions with Supervalu.

Mr. Eagle said that Southern Specialties is in the early stages of gearing up for the Produce Marketing Fresh Summit in Anaheim, CA, in October.

“We will be introducing some new packaging options in the PMA New Product Showcase and at our booth,” said Mr. Eagle. “We look forward to seeing customer, colleagues and prospective new customers at the event.”