Spices!

Hello all! Very new to the forum, but will be referring all my foodie friends and family!

I'm looking for information on the spice industry... "What part of the spice industry?" you ask. Well, that's where it gets difficult. All of it.

I've been investing in and helping to grow small businesses for the last seven years as a venture capitalist. I got into the business so I could learn about how small business successes (and failures) are made. Now I'm ready to get out on my own and do something I love. I love spices - eating them, cooking with them, learning history, understanding how their grown/sown. I'd like to get into the business, but don't know enough about it to even know where to start. Retailing, blending, distribution, importing... all places I might be willing to dig in.

Anyone know of any good reading on the industry? Anyone in the business that might be willing to trade some of my experience for some of theirs?

The center of the spice universe is The Spice House. Owners Tom and Patty Erd offer the best spices around (Julia Child used to buy from them, and Alton Brown came to them when he needed to talk spices for his fruitcake show).

Since you'd be in direct competition with them, I don't know what sort or arrangement you might make that would be mutually beneficial, but it might be worth at least approaching them. They might be able to tell you what the market is like in the area and whether they think Chicagoland could support another spice maven.

http://www.thespicehouse.com

Hi,

There was recently a spice trade conference in Tucson, AZ. I would suggest joining whatever professional organization that may be for whatever information they may offer and networking opportunities.

The Spice House's product line is something like 400 different spices and combinations. The Spice House has a competitor in the family with Patty's brother the founder of Penzey's that has maybe 50 stores nationwide. Spice House is at least second and possibly third generation of ownership.

Nielsen-Massey who make vanilla and several other flavorings have less than a dozen products. Nielsen-Massey is maybe on its fourth generation of ownership.

You could go business to business in essential oils, fragrances and spices. There is a company named FONA, which offers classes to the industry on flavors. You might want to get your feet wet there.

Personally, if I was looking to invest money and knew nothing about spices et al, I'm not sure it is the first place I would put my money into.

Regards,