Orlando, Fla.-based garlic provider Spice World says it is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a virtual, cross-country Recipe Roadtrip, $75,000 in donations to regional nonprofits to address food insecurity, and a chance to win a flavor-focused vacation to New Orleans.
The company is sharing the legacy of Andy “Pops” Caneza’s founding the company in 1949 after his return from European duty during World War II, as well as the brand’s journey over 75 years, according to a news release.
Consumers can visit a central landing page for the Spice World Recipe Roadtrip and enter for a chance to win an experiential vacation to New Orleans, where Spice World was born. Each week of the 10-week campaign will feature a new region with facts, history and great cooking ideas, the release said. By voting on a favorite meal idea each week, consumers will be entered for a chance to win.
Participants also will receive an e-cookbook of the most preferred meals based on voting, with meal inspiration arriving in August with the e-cookbook emailed to them, according to the release.
In the beginning
Enamored with the bold and spicy flavor of garlic he experienced in Europe, Caneza borrowed $10 from his fiancée, Ann, to begin selling garlic to local grocery stores in his hometown of New Orleans, the release said. In the 1950s and ’60s, the effort became a family affair for the Canezas, with both children pitching in to pack garlic in the family’s basement. In 1965 a hurricane hit New Orleans and flooded the basement, so packing ensued from one son’s bedroom.
The company today
Spice World says its commitment to excellence is now reflected in the company’s efforts to grow and cultivate its own seeds. Each year, the company evaluates and selects the best seed from the current crop to grow next season’s garlic. Demand for fresh garlic is high, with U.S. consumers purchase 120 million pounds of Spice World garlic annually, according to the release.
To keep up with demand, Spice World says it oversees 4,000 acres of garlic farms in California’s San Joaquin Valley. Beyond California, Spice World “follows the sun” to warm garlic-growing climates around the world to source from farms that adhere to high standards for quality and safety, the company says.
“I am honored to witness Spice World’s growth while staying rooted in the original ethos established by our founder, Andy Caneza,” Spice World CEO Chris Kiser said in the release. “His vision continues to inspire Spice World as we innovate, grow and make a positive impact today.”
Fresh products
From seed to plate, Spice World says it aims to helping consumers elevate the way they eat by delivering garlic and innovative flavors that remove common obstacles of prep time, seasonality and cleanup.
Spice World was among the first to offer a ready-to-use minced garlic in round glass jars, and the company’s squeezable garlic, chopped garlic and peeled cloves are also intended to be timesavers and allow home cooks to easily create rich, flavorful dishes, according to the release. Spice World’s offerings also include zesty ginger and hearty shallots, offered in ready-to-use, peeled and squeezable versions.
