Silver Spring Foods: Expands private label capabilities

Media Contact: Joan Collins Publicity (608) 222-2899)

Eau Claire, WI…Silver Spring Foods, the world’s largest horseradish grower and processor, is expanding its private label division. The company will utilize its state of the art equipment, which was installed to allow for versatility and flexibility in food manufacturing and quantities produced. The research and development lab has also been expanded to serve the growing niche market of private label specialty mustards, cocktail sauces and horseradish products.

Eric Rygg, marketing manager and a fourth generation member of the family-owned business, said Silver Spring Foods can use their own established horseradish and specialty mustard award-winning formulas or customize condiments to the unique specifications of private label customers. Rygg said Silver Spring Foods is poised to produce more organic private label products due to an increase in demand from health and wellness consumers. Silver Spring Foods is the only major manufacturer certified to grow and process organic horseradish on a large scale. They are “certified organic” through the USDA and Oregon Tilth.

Rygg said more consumers are buying horseradish and mustard as a healthier option to replace other condiments, but great taste and convenience are still the most important factors.

“As traceability increases in importance among consumers, manufacturers who buy horseradish roots from China and other countries may run into consumer resistance,” said Rygg. “The root is perishable and loses its unique flavor as it ages. Silver Spring can guarantee the origin of our horseradish supply because we grow our own horseradish in Wisconsin and Minnesota, which helps us control the quality from field to factory.”

Silver Spring Foods, noted for making fresh horseradish for 81 years, started producing specialty mustards with horseradish as a key ingredient a decade ago. In 2009 Silver Spring mustards earned more awards than any other mustard company at the Napa Valley World Mustard Competition, with Silver Spring Beer and Brat Mustard taking home the most honors over the years.

“Automation has taken Silver Spring Foods from a small family-run business to a mid-sized corporation. Technology and family values continue to be our driving forces as we increase our quality private label production,” Rygg said.