Maurice Auerbach, located in Secaucus, NJ, is one of the largest garlic and specialty produce distributors in the Northeast, with an impressive product line of items sourced from around the globe.

Under its AuerPak brand, the company specializes in garlic, shallots and other specialty items, including tropical and Asian produce, as well as organic garlic, asparagus, ginger and tofu.

In March, members of the Maurice Auerbach team will head to the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure show, and taking with them samples of most of its best-selling items.

“We design our booth as we go,” said Bruce Klein, director of marketing for the third-generation, family-owned enterprise. “A lot of our customers are going to the show, and if they go, it only makes sense for us to be there. It’s time where you can spend some time with customers.”

Klein likes the fact that SEPC is a “limited show,” where booths aren’t too on top of one another. This year, Maurice Auerbach will be at booth No. 211.

“People will come see us at the booth as they’re walking down the aisle,” he said. “If it’s an existing customer, we thank them for their business and see if there’s anything else we may have that’s a fit for them. It’s always good to see them and catch up. If we pick up some extra business, it’s great.”

For a new customer, or one without any previous relationship, it’s all about introducing themselves and showing them what Maurice Auerbach has to offer.

“Hopefully, something will click,” Klein said. “Sometimes, the buyer is looking for something, so it works in our favor. But even if nothing happens right away, down the line it could mean some business because they remember you. It’s good to be seen and we go because they usually have a good amount of quality buyers.”

Klein is one of four members of the team who will be in attendance and he looks forward to heading back to SEPC every year.

The early part of 2025 is looking good for the company, as garlic continues to be a go-to staple for many despite inflationary concerns, but Klein noted business is a little quiet as it is usually at this time of year.

“End of January and early February, it’s always like this,” he said. “I am optimistic about the year ahead. It seems people are cooking more at home. We sell to chain stores and restaurant purveyors, so we have a good group of customers, so whether someone chooses to cook at home or go to a restaurant, we cover all the bases.”

One trend the company is seeing is an increased interest in root vegetables because of their health benefits.

“There’s no substitute for garlic, and ginger has become more popular,” Klein said. “A lot of these root vegetables have become very popular.”