Oser Communications Group

NATURALLY HEALTHY GOURMET NEWS n MARCH 2014 n www.gourmetnews.com N H 2 9 Vanns Spices Provides Flawless Custom Blending and Co-Packing Just because you have a fabulous recipe ready for prime time doesn't mean you have the skills or resources necessary to source and store bulk ingredients, formulate recipes suited to large-scale manufacturing or man- age the assembly and regulatory issues asso- ciated with packaging. Vanns Spices, recognized for its wide range of high-quality, all-natural and flavor- ful spices, blends and extracts has decades of experience and a team of specialists who un- derstand the processes and vagaries associ- ated with large-scale food production. That's why so many manufacturers and foodservice operators rely upon Vanns to formulate, cus- tom blend, co-pack and oversee the prepara- tion of their proprietary products. Many times, customers approach Vanns with a recipe that has proven successful in small batches – believing the time for broader regional, national or international distribution will facilitate brand growth. At the same time, they are either unsure about, or unprepared for, the demands of large-scale production. With an encyclopedic range of herbs, spices and extracts on hand, coupled with an efficient and quality-oriented pro- cessing facility in Baltimore, Md., Vanns has the resources to satisfy the needs of its most demanding customers. When it comes to larger volumes, main- taining consistency of flavor, color, texture and overall performance becomes a signifi- cant challenge. This is especially true for herbs and spices whose flavor, texture and color can vary depending on growing region, seasonal fluctuations and inconsistencies in handling throughout the supply chain. Know- ing when and where to buy ingredients, how to handle them once purchases are made and what it takes to ensure desired culinary out- comes is a skill that Vanns has developed and refined over years of operation. Assuming ingredient supply is fully re- solved, how they are measured for flavor and intensity and then compared with expected flavor profiles and recipe formulations is a significant challenge. According to Mick Whitlock, President of Vanns, "Just because we have a recipe and the proper ingredients is no guarantee fin- ished products will be the same, batch after batch and month to month. We rely on the skills and insights of our culinary staff to an- ticipate fluctuations in ingredient perform- ance and guarantee successful outcomes each and every time." Producers also need to know what style of packaging makes the most sense from man- ufacturing, economic, containment and mar- keting perspectives. It's not enough to sim- ply select a bag, bottle or carton. Vanns helps its clients understand these variables, recom- mending those materials best suited to pre- serve freshness and flavor, extend shelf life and create visible appeal and functionality at the point of sale. Whitlock added, "It's not enough to suc- cessfully formulate a custom blend and satisfy flavor expectations. How you get the fully for- mulated blends into appropriate containers, ac- commodate all of the steps associated with warehousing and distribution and deliver a fin- ished product that satisfies the end user takes special care and dogged attention to detail." To learn more about custom blending, co-pack- ing and effectively expanding your product line, see Vanns at the Natural Products Expo West in booth #5336. Alternatively, contact Vanns by email at orders@vannsspices.com or phone at 800-583-1693.

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