Fresh garlic provider Spice World has opened an expanded R&D kitchen at its company headquarters in Orlando, Fla. Named for Spice World co-founder and matriarch, the Ann Caneza Culinary Innovation Center will provide a new space for collaboration and ideation focused on driving next-level innovation, the company says.
The new facility is designed to support Spice World’s vision to help consumers elevate their meals with fresh, convenient flavor. Equipped with preparation, cooking and testing capabilities, the space will also provide internal and external chefs and R&D professionals a high-quality space to enhance and create new on-trend flavor innovation, the company says. It also opens the door for direct consumer interactions to listen and learn.
“We’ve designed a space that fuels innovation, experimentation and bold flavor exploration,” says Chris Kiser, CEO of Spice World. “While at its core it is a kitchen — it’s also a creative laboratory where our teams can explore prototypes and push boundaries of flavor originality. Our resident culinary experts will work alongside other food technologists to design, cook and taste-test multiple concepts in a single setting. With more than 75 years of experience in garlic, the center underscores our continued commitment to meet or exceed our customer’s expectations and envision tomorrow’s needs.”
At the recent International Fresh Produce Association Global Produce and Floral Show, Spice World shared some of its latest culinary innovations, including organic fresh diced garlic in a 5-ounce bag and peeled ginger in a 7-ounce bag.
“Gen Z loves everything associated with flavor, but they don’t want to do any heavy lifting,” Kiser told The Packer on the show floor. They also don’t like to throw away produce, he says, which is why the breathable bag on the garlic that extends freshness without the need for preservatives is also driving interest in the product.
Lisa Schwendner, director of research and development, will lead Spice World’s innovation program.
“I am thrilled for this new space and cannot wait to lead the next level of product and prototype development,” Schwendner says.
