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Local Favorites celebrates the vibrant flavors and stories of our local communities. Through this campaign, we spotlight iconic local brands in our rich culinary tapestry. Join us in discovering more about these beloved local vendors and their delicious offerings, which you can find at your local Associated Grocers retailer.
Camellia Brand
Are you a fan of authentic New Orleans cuisine? If so, you’ve probably heard of Camellia Brand. This iconic brand has been a staple in Louisiana kitchens for decades, serving up delicious beans, peas, and lentils that capture the heart of the Crescent City.
Camellia Brand’s story begins in 1923, in the bustling French Market of New Orleans. It was here that the company first started packaging beans for consumers, revolutionizing the industry and making it easier for people to enjoy the flavors of Louisiana at home. Now, under the fourth-generation leadership of L.H. Hayward and Company, Camellia Brand continues to uphold its commitment to quality and tradition.
In addition to its classic bean products, Camellia Brand has expanded its offerings to include Beans for 2 line and Dagostino Pasta. These lines bring even more authentic New Orleans flavors to your table, allowing you to create delicious and satisfying meals with ease.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, Camellia Brand is a must-have for any New Orleans food lover.
Supreme Rice
Looking for a taste of Louisiana that’s both delicious and sustainable? Look no further than Supreme Rice. This family-owned company has been a staple in the state since 1936, providing high-quality rice to tables across the country.
Founded in Crowley, Louisiana, Supreme Rice is the state’s largest rice mill. Their commitment to quality and tradition shines through in every grain. From long-grain white to medium-grain white, long-grain brown, and white jasmine, Supreme Rice offers a variety of flavorful options to suit your taste.
Beyond their delicious products, Supreme Rice is also dedicated to sustainability. As part of the USDA’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program, they’re working to reduce methane emissions and promote water conservation in rice production. This initiative benefits both the environment and the farmers who grow their rice.
The journey of a Supreme Rice grain begins in the fields of Louisiana. Planting typically starts in March, and harvesting follows shortly after the Fourth of July. The region’s unique clay-rich soil is ideal for rice cultivation, as it helps retain water. After harvest, the rice is brought to the mill, where it undergoes a thorough cleaning and grading process before being packaged.
Supreme Rice’s commitment to sustainability extends to their farming practices. Through their Climate-Smart Initiative, they’ve developed innovative techniques to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve water. By carefully managing water levels during the growing season, they’re able to minimize environmental impact.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, Supreme Rice is a versatile ingredient. Its consistent quality and flavor make it perfect for a variety of dishes, from classic rice pilaf to flavorful stir-fries.
Supreme Rice is more than just a brand; it’s a Louisiana tradition. With a focus on quality, sustainability, and delicious taste, this family-owned company continues to be a local favorite.
Tony Chachere’s
This week, we’re shining a spotlight on a true Louisiana culinary icon: Tony Chachere’s. As part of our Local Favorites series, we had the pleasure of speaking with Donald “Buzzy” Chachere, President and Tony’s oldest grandson, and Celeste Chachere, Marketing & Development Director and Tony’s great-granddaughter. They shared insights into the rich history of the company and its enduring impact on the local community.
Founded in 1972, Tony Chachere’s began as a simple cookbook, where founder Tony Chachere shared his passion for Cajun and Creole cuisine. His dream of preserving these flavors led to the creation of his famous Creole seasoning.
Responding to popular demand, Tony pioneered the nationwide distribution of prepackaged Creole seasoning. This innovative step solidified Tony Chachere’s place as a culinary trailblazer. Over the years, the company expanded its product line to include dinner mixes, marinades, and more.
Today, Tony Chachere’s remains a family-owned business and continues to be the world’s top-selling Cajun and Creole seasoning blend. Their commitment to preserving authentic Louisiana flavors has made them a beloved name in kitchens around the globe.
Baumer Foods
This week, we sat down with Pepper Baumer, the 3rd Generation President of Baumer Foods, and Michelle McDaniel, Chief Operating Officer, to gain insight into the company and learn more about their connection with the local community.
In 1923, in New Orleans, Alvin Baumer discovered a hot sauce recipe in the drawer of a newly purchased sno-ball syrup company. This discovery led to the creation of Crystal Hot Sauce, the flagship product of Baumer Foods. Now a third-generation, family-owned business, Baumer Foods remains central to the New Orleans culture and flavor we know today.
Baumer Foods produces a variety of delicious sauces that reflect the vibrant culinary traditions of New Orleans. The company continues to expand its product line while maintaining the authentic flavors that have made Crystal Hot Sauce a beloved brand. Both Pepper and Michelle emphasized the importance of preserving the legacy and values of this family-owned business. Their dedication to continuous improvement ensures that Baumer Foods and Crystal Hot Sauce will remain a cornerstone of New Orleans’s history and culture for generations to come.
Reily Foods
This week, we sat down with John Koerner, VP of Retail Sales at Reily Foods, and Courtney Faucheux, Plant Manager at their New Orleans facility, to gain insight into the company and learn more about their connection with the local community.
John shared the rich history of Reily Foods, founded in 1902 by William B. Reily Sr. Initially starting as Luzianne Coffee, the company quickly expanded into Luzianne Tea. In 1932, they launched the first brand specially blended for iced tea. Over the years, Reily Foods acquired several brands, including JFG, CDM, Blue Plate Mayonnaise, and French Market Coffee. Today, Luzianne Tea and Coffee are top sellers nationwide, all produced in New Orleans.
Courtney highlighted the company’s impressive local facility on Chef Highway in New Orleans. The 200,000-square-foot plant, built in 1960, features 15 packing lines that can produce 13 million pounds of tea and 55 million pounds of coffee annually.
John emphasized the importance of continuous improvement for this fifth-generation family-owned business to thrive for another 120 years.
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