Spice World Celebrates 75th Anniversary

Spice World, headquartered in Orlando, FL, one of the country’s leading providers of fresh and flavorful garlic, is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024.

Enamored with the bold and spicy flavor of garlic he experienced in Europe while serving in World War II, Andy “Pops” Caneza borrowed $10 from his fiancée, Ann, to begin selling garlic to local grocery stores in his hometown of New Orleans in 1949. 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.

Andy’s grandson, Drew Caneza, current vice president of sales and third-generation Caneza family member, says Spice World has always embraced a family-first approach. “The company culture has always been, and still is, rooted in family. When we are united as a company in one goal, the customer always wins.”

Drew Caneza says customers, such as Kroger which has been a Spice World customer since the late 1960s, have always been drawn to the close-knit family aspect of their business.

“We provide our customers with a great product, top-notch service, open lines of communication, and a passion for growing their business and giving them value so they remain competitive,” he says.

From its modest start, Spice World’s 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, as Americans annually purchase 120 million pounds of Spice World garlic.

To keep up with demands, Spice World 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 the highest standards for quality and safety.

“I am honored to witness Spice World’s growth while staying rooted in the original ethos established by our founder Andy Caneza,” says Chris Kiser, chief executive of Spice World. “His vision continues to inspire Spice World, as we innovate, grow and make a positive impact today.”

Spice World was the first company to offer ready-to-use minced garlic in round glass jars. Spice World’s offerings also include ginger and shallots, offered in ready-to-use, peeled and squeezable versions to help make meal prep and cooking more convenient.

“We are passionate about helping consumers cook with fresh, convenient flavor, and we always seek to improve meal prep for them. Today’s cooks appreciate the time-saving ability of our products to add a flavor boost to home-cooked meals,” says Kiser.

Looking to the future, Drew Caneza wants Spice World to continue being the first to market with innovative products that offer convenience to the consumer.

“Our brand has made a significant journey over 75 years, bringing great flavors that help consumers elevate the way they eat with convenient, better-for-you flavor. And we feel we are just getting started,” says Kiser.

To celebrate its 75th anniversary, Spice World is hosting a virtual, cross-country Recipe Road Trip, with $75,000 in donations going to regional nonprofits to address food insecurity and a chance to win a flavor-focused vacation to New Orleans.