Imports and Direct Sourcing
We import more than spices. We import a documented, tested, traceable supply chain, and we take responsibility for it as the importer of record. Our buyers work directly with growers, cooperatives and exporters in the countries of origin, and nothing we sell has been bought from a middleman we cannot name.
What We Guarantee
- Direct sourcing from the country of origin, with the exporter and growing region identified on every lot record
- Spices, herbs and seeds that are pure and unadulterated and that meet or exceed the SIPF cleanliness specifications and FDA requirements
- Our own cleaning, sterilizing, milling and packing in SQF certified U.S. facilities; we are not repackers
- Microbial reduction to the specification you choose, validated and documented
- Full Foreign Supplier Verification Program records for every foreign supplier, maintained by us as importer of record
- A digital certificate of analysis with every lot and a complete inventory of stocked items for immediate shipment
- The ability to source hard-to-find and specialty items through our origin network
- Kosher and certified organic product, with Halal and Non-GMO Project verified options
- Packaging from bulk totes to retail jars
- Honest market intelligence, including bad news, delivered before you need it
Where We Buy
| Region | Principal Items |
|---|---|
| Vietnam | Black and white pepper, cassia, star anise, bird's eye chile |
| India | Turmeric, cumin, coriander, fennel, fenugreek, celery seed, chiles, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, sesame |
| Indonesia | Cassia, nutmeg, mace, cloves, white pepper, vanilla |
| Sri Lanka | Ceylon cinnamon, cloves, black pepper |
| Guatemala | Cardamom, allspice, sesame |
| Madagascar | Vanilla, cloves, pink peppercorns |
| Egypt | Basil, marjoram, dill, parsley, mint, anise, caraway, fennel, onion |
| Turkey | Oregano, bay leaves, cumin, sumac, poppy, crushed red pepper, Aleppo style pepper |
| Spain | Paprika, smoked paprika, saffron, rosemary, thyme |
| Mexico | Ancho, guajillo, pasilla, arbol and chipotle chiles, Mexican oregano, jalapeno, allspice |
| Brazil | Black pepper, cloves, pink peppercorns, annatto |
| China | Garlic, onion, dehydrated vegetables, cassia, star anise, paprika, chiles |
| Peru | Paprika, ginger, habanero, annatto |
| Canada and United States | Mustard seed, dehydrated onion and garlic, dehydrated vegetables, basil, parsley, dill |
| Other | Jamaica, Grenada, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Uganda, Morocco, Tunisia, Greece, Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Netherlands, Poland, France, Germany, Czechia, Thailand |
Program Options
From Stock
More than 400 items cleaned, tested and ready to ship from Newark and Long Beach within 48 hours, in bulk or foodservice packaging. This is how most customers begin.
Direct Container Programs
For volume users we buy specific lots at origin against your specification and bring them in as full or partial containers. Product can be processed and treated at our facilities before delivery, or delivered to your plant in original packing with our inspection and testing complete. We hold the position, handle the documents and carry the inventory until you need it.
Forward Coverage
For program customers we extend coverage ahead of expected price movements when our market models and our buyers agree the risk justifies it, and we share the reasoning with you. See Sourcing Intelligence.
Importer of Record
Spice Admiral is the importer of record on everything we bring in. We maintain the Foreign Supplier Verification Program, file the Importer Security Filing and FDA Prior Notice, and work with a licensed customs broker on entry. Our C-TPAT participation means our supply chain security procedures have been validated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The paperwork is generated and checked by HELM; the responsibility is ours.
Request a quote, a sample or a current market read by emailing inquiries@spiceadmiral.com. Please include the item, form, approximate annual volume and your ship-to location.
