“We will have good volumes of French beans, papayas, limes and specialty value added vegetable items on display at the upcoming NEPC Expo,” Daryl Johnston, vice president of sales for Pompano Beach, FL-based Southern Specialties Inc. “I will be joined at booth number 342 by Charlie Eagle, vice president of marketing and business development.”

Daryl Johnston, vice president of sales for Southern Specialties.Founded in 1990 by Robert Colescott, chief executive officer and president of Southern Specialties, today the company is a totally integrated grower, importer and processer of a wide range of fruits and vegetables such as French beans, green and white asparagus, hand-peeled Brussel sprouts, hand-peeled baby carrots with tops, hand-peeled rainbow baby carrots with tops, sugar snap peas, snow peas, yellow beans, baby squash, limes and much more. Its “Southern Selects” brand is highly recognized by retailers and consumers alike.

Mr. Johnston said that the company would also be featuring its new pouch bags for its large size sugar snap peas, Brussel sprouts, French beans and asparagus, all marketed under the “Southern Selects” label.

“We also have new two- and three-pound mesh bags of limes, and a full line-up of specialty vegetables in microwavable bags,” said Mr. Johnston.

Besides its “Southern Selects’” label, Southern Specialties’ products are sold under the “Paradise Tropicals” and “Today’s Gourmet” labels. The company’s customers are foodservice operations, retailers, club stores and wholesalers. It ships across the United States and into Canada.

The company is also strongly focused on developing packaging that showcases its products, enhances the shelf life and provides convenience and information for the consumer.

“In the past year we received our SQF [Safe Quality Food] certification,” said Mr. Johnston. “We have added some outstanding customers to our foodservice bank, retail and club store arenas. And we have expanded our capacity to provide 365-day-a-year service.

“But there is one thing that we have not yet been able to accomplish — controlling the weather,” he noted.

Southern Specialties also announced that earlier this year it joined forces with Bob McGowan of Northeast Produce Sales, to further expand its presence in the New England area. The companies began working together in late January.

“Over the years Southern Specialties has developed some great relationships in New England,” said Mr. Johnston. “As our company grows, we are poised to continue expansion in this region. Bob and I have enjoyed a successful working relationship in the past. I have tremendous respect for him as a person and for his capabilities. I am extremely pleased to have this opportunity to work with him once again.”

In February, Southern Specialties announced that it had hired Andre Escobar as the general manager of the McAllen, TX, division.

“Andre brings a wealth of experience from both the retail and grower-shipper side of the business,” Robert Colescott, chief executive officer and president of Southern Specialties stated in press release. “I’m excited to have him on our team.”

The NEPC Expo, Mr. Johnston noted, gives the company a valuable opportunity to meet and network with customers and prospective customers in New England.

“We are excited to make a commitment to the Northeast with the addition of Bob McGowan to our family,” he said. “We have promotable volumes on numerous items that span all areas of both vegetable and fruit.”