Spacious, sunlit production areas with the rich aroma of mustard seeds. Designated zones for dry-milling, liquid mustard production and packaging, each overseen by a dedicated team of seasoned professionals. Within the walls of Wisconsin Spice, one can find what goes into creating the world’s best-in-class mustard products.
Wisconsin Spice began its journey in 1973, a period marked by a global mustard shortage. Turning the market’s gap into an opportunity, founder and food chemist Phillip J. Sass laid the foundation for a company that would grow into a powerhouse of solutions.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Provider
Today, Wisconsin Spice is one of the only two manufacturers capable of offering both dry and liquid mustard products worldwide. The company has pushed forward, jump-starting long-term growth through acquisitions and a wide array of products with a client-first philosophy.
“Our growth is built on enduring client relationships,” says Joe Worley, Senior Sales Manager. “This quality has kept customers loyal for decades, with some even dating from the company’s founding.”
Driving its manufacturing and advanced R&D labs is a passion rooted in a commitment to co-create with clients and experiment with new product formulations. The introduction of liquid mustard production capabilities and a pilot plant within its state-of-the-art Phillip J. Sass Technical Center have proven time again that success is but an ongoing improvement.
The key to Wisconsin Spice’s adaptability is a skilled team that drives growth and innovates to deliver mustard solutions to meet the ever-evolving industry demands. Whether responding to new consumer demand or tackling a competitive market threat, the company’s R&D team deviates from a one-size-fits-all approach, turning ideas quickly and efficiently into finished products. This flexibility gives it a competitive edge by developing top-notch formulations and packaging innovations.
The acquisition of Besco Grain, its primary supplier of mustard seeds, was a defining moment that played a crucial role in establishing a vertically integrated supply chain. This strategic move turbocharged the company’s operational efficiency and scaling capacity while enabling it to pass on the cost savings to its customers.
A Tangy Tradition Elevated
Wisconsin Spice has mastered the fundamentals of bringing innovations to the market, diversifying its product line and shaping the direction of mustard usage across different markets. Its product portfolio reflects a deep understanding of mustard’s multifaceted role beyond traditional applications. The company ensures its offerings cater to every corner of the food industry, from food service and retail to industrial space.
Our growth is built on enduring client relationships. This quality has kept customers loyal for decades, with some even dating from the company’s founding
Its cracked mustard seed and powdered variations bring a distinctive flavor profile to various culinary creations. For example, the company’s ground mustard adds functional properties like binding and emulsification in popular sausages and salad dressings.
Exclusive prepared mustard production capabilities elevate its product suite, while the dry mustard solutions remain foundational as a core component for some of the biggest names in food manufacturing.
“From duplicating existing formulas to crafting entirely new products, our processes are designed to be nimble and responsive,” says Worley.
Wisconsin Spice excels in providing bespoke co-packing services, allowing customers to bring their brands to life without the complexities of manufacturing. The company collaborates closely with clients to create mustard formulations that resonate with their target market, promising each product reflects the customer's unique brand identity.
Wisconsin Spice’s industrial ingredients are used in a variety of applications, including sauce, dressing and condiment industries, accounting for north of 75 percent of the company’s sales. Top quality dry and prepared mustard solutions are offered to customers through multiple channels, and this ability springs from its heart for innovation, R&D and customer support.
Its assortment of offerings, ranging from bulk packaging to portion control sachets, enables the company to accommodate the diverse requirements of various clientele. Flexible pouch packaging and customized jugs allow foodservice operators and customers to optimize shelf space while appealing to customer preferences for portability and ease of use.
During the pandemic, dining habits across the globe shifted, and Wisconsin Spice found itself perfectly positioned to address a sudden market demand. The need for convenient, single-use mustard sachets skyrocketed with a surge in takeout dining. The company responded quickly with its newly installed portion control packaging equipment. Intended for food service applications, became a vital solution to meet the demands of the trend.
This adaptability, combined with its state-of-the-art facilities, ensures the company is always a step ahead.
Standing tall with a heart for growth and innovation, it has made its journey a blueprint for success across the food industry. By continually evolving to meet market trends and collaborating closely with partners, Wisconsin Spice enriches culinary experiences and creates new horizons of opportunity.
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