News and Notices

Second Automated Inspection Line Commissioned at Newark

Spice Admiral has commissioned a second automated inspection line at its Newark, New Jersey headquarters, doubling receiving inspection capacity on the East Coast to approximately 80 lots per shift. The new line incorporates a higher-resolution imaging system and an updated near-infrared spectrometer, and was designed with the quality technicians who operate it.

"The first line taught us a great deal about what the operators actually need," said the company's director of quality. "The second one is faster, but more importantly it puts the right information on the screen at the right moment." The investment supports growing volume at Newark and shortens the time between a container's arrival and the release of its contents to production or to customers.

HELM Adds Port Congestion Forecasting

The Logistics module of the HELM platform now forecasts congestion at the principal origin and destination ports Spice Admiral uses, and incorporates the forecast into predicted container availability dates. The model draws on vessel position data, historical dwell times and published terminal statistics.

Customers will see the effect as more accurate inbound availability dates in the Quarterdeck portal, particularly during peak season. Internally, the forecast allows logistics coordinators to shift bookings between ports before delays occur rather than after.

Black Pepper Crop Outlook: What Our Models See

With the Vietnamese harvest complete and the Brazilian harvest under way, the Harvest module of HELM estimates the combined 2026 crop from the four principal origins at slightly below the five-year average, with quality in Vietnam generally good and bulk densities at or above typical levels. Carryover stocks remain adequate. The Markets module's 90-day outlook is for firm but not sharply higher prices, with a confidence level the company rates as moderate.

"We are advising program customers to maintain normal coverage and to avoid chasing the market," the company's senior pepper buyer said. "Our relationships in the Central Highlands are deep and our customers' requirements are covered." The full outlook, including origin detail, is available to customers in Quarterdeck. A summary appears in Market Watch.

Newark and Long Beach Complete SQF Recertification Audits

Both Spice Admiral processing facilities have completed their annual SQF Food Safety Code recertification audits. The Newark audit included the automated inspection line and the steam sterilization system; the Long Beach audit was the first to include that facility's inspection line, installed in 2025. Updated certificates are available to customers through the Quarterdeck portal or by email.

Market Watch Redesigned

Spice Admiral has redesigned the Market Watch summary published on this website. The new format shows, for each major item, the current trend, the 90-day model outlook and the model's confidence level, in a table that can be sorted by any column. Customers can access the full outlook with origin detail and history in Quarterdeck.

Savannah Forward Warehouse Begins Direct Container Receiving

The Savannah, Georgia forward warehouse can now receive containers directly from the Port of Savannah, allowing Spice Admiral to route inbound product for Southeastern customers without first moving it through Newark. Product received at Savannah is inspected using samples shipped overnight to the Newark laboratory and inspection line, with release typically within three business days of arrival.

Cumin: Early Coverage Extended for Program Customers

Following a Harvest module alert on below-normal rainfall in a principal cumin growing district, Spice Admiral buyers have extended coverage for program customers through the end of the year. "The model raised the flag; our buyers confirmed it with growers on the ground and acted," the company said. Program customers have been notified individually. Spot availability remains good at present.