In mid-March, Charlie Eagle, vice president of business development for Southern Specialties, headquartered in Pompano Beach, FL, told The Produce News that the company’s Florida specialty variety pepper programs will run into May.

“Our specialty pepper lineup includes Anaheims, Cherry Hots, Cubanelles, Finger Hots, Hungarian Wax, Jalapenos, Long Hots, Poblanos and Serrano varieties,” said Eagle. “All our specialty peppers are packed in one-half bushels and in five- and ten-pound bushels, and are sold under our popular ‘Southern Selects’ brand name.”

Eagle added that the company anticipates a smooth transition with its pepper movement into Georgia and North Carolina following the Florida deal as the growing season moves northward.

Florida blueberries had started to trickle in for the company in mid-March, but with small volumes.

‘Southern Selects’ Florida blueberries from Southern Specialties.“Some cold nights and rain put a damper on the volume pick-up on Florida blueberries this season,” said Eagle. “We expect volumes to start picking up by the first week of April and hope to quickly be back on track with supplies.”

Southern Specialties’ Florida blueberries begin shipping with 4.4-ounce clamshells under the “Southern Selects” label. As volumes increase a couple of weeks into the movement, the company offers six-ounce clamshells, which are also sold under its “Southern Selects” label.

“We expect the blueberry season to run through May,” said Eagle. “We will be loading out of Pompano Beach and Haines City, FL.”

Southern Specialties was founded over 23 years ago by Chief Executive Officer and President, Robert Colescott. Since then it has maintained unwavering insistence on quality and unparalleled customer service, which has led the company to become one of the United States’ leading growers and distributors of premium specialty produce. Its customers include the finest retail, foodservice and wholesale club companies in the United States and Canada. The company focuses strongly on its offshore programs, consisting of a wide range of high-quality specialty produce offered in numerous pack sizes and value-added convenience packaging.

“We continue to be a leader with expertise in facilitating offshore production logistics through Florida,” said Eagle. “Besides our Pompano headquarters, we also have facilities in McAllen, TX, and in Los Angeles, giving us a far-reaching arm across the country and in Canada.”

Southern Specialties grows, imports and processes approximately 50 products that it offers in hundreds of SKUs. Its customers are foodservice operations, retailers, club stores and wholesalers across the United States and in Canada. Its products are sold under the “Southern Selects,” “Paradise Tropicals” and “Today’s Gourmet” labels. It also offers private labeling for its customers.

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

Its line of fresh produce is comprised of asparagus, French beans, sugar snap peas, yellow beans, snow peas, baby carrots, rainbow carrots, Brussels sprouts, specialty peppers and much more.