Watkins News & Notes

Watkins Organic Spices

Watkins has been a pioneer in premium, gourmet herbs and spices for over 100 years, so it’s only natural that we offer a premium line of organic herbs and spices. Watkins new line of nineteen USDA certified, 100% Organic Herbs and Spices are packaged in beautiful gold tins, reminiscent of the Gold Medals we received for the highest quality spices in Paris in 1928. And according to the marketing research firm ACNielsen, these nineteen spices represent approximately 70% of the total spice demand for the every day consumer.

Watkins will continue to offer our current line of Gourmet All-Natural Herbs and Spices while meeting the demands of the growing consumer base that prefers organic foods.

Organic Herbs and Spices will be added to the online U.S. catalog September 1 and will appear in the 2007 U.S. Main Line catalog.

Why Organic?

A growing segment of North American consumers is seeking organic food for all or part of their diet. To meet these needs, Watkins now offers a new line of USDA certified, 100% Organic Herbs and Spices.

Organic food differs from conventionally produced food in the way it is grown, handled, and processed. The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers this definition of organic food:

“Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled ‘organic,’ a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too.”

Watkins Organic Spices are certified organic by the USDA National Organic Program under its most stringent standards: 100% organic.

Watkins Organic Herbs and Spices complement our current line of Gourmet Herbs and Spices

Watkins will continue to offer our current line of Gourmet All-Natural Herbs and Spices. They are the highest quality spices available, gathered from the world’s best sources and processed within Watkins’ high standards.

Pepper, it’s not all the same

Watkins Organic Black Pepper is made from peppercorns grown in various parts of the world including such places as Mexico and Sri Lanka, while our Purest Granulated Black Pepper is made from premium Malabar peppercorns from the coast of India and Lampong peppercorns from Indonesia.

As a result the taste profile between Watkins Organic Black Pepper and Watkins Purest Granulated Black Pepper is distinctly different.

And while Watkins Organic Black Pepper is ground, our Purest Granulated Black Pepper is produced through our exclusive granulation process and remains the highest quality pepper that you have enjoyed for generations.

Summary of Watkins Herb and Spice offerings