WE VALUE BEING A PART OF OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY AND SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL CUSTOMERS!

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

KNOW THAT WHEN YOU PURCHASE THESE PRODUCTS, YOU ARE CONTINUING TO SUPPORT OTHER LOCALS. THANK YOU!