La Flor Spices plans $1M in factory improvements, will add 15 jobs

A manufacturer and distributor of spices is planning $1 million in improvements to its Hauppauge factory that will result in new product lines and the creation of 15 jobs, state officials said.

La Flor Spices, a 52-year-old minority-owned business, will install new machinery at its 90,000-square-foot facility at 25 Hoffman Ave.

Executives said the new equipment will allow the company to expand its spice blending and packaging operation and to introduce a new line of liquid products. The 15 new jobs will be added to a payroll of 47.

In return, Empire State Development, the state’s primary business-aid agency, has agreed to provide up to $200,000 in tax credits over 10 years to La Flor. The tax credits are based on a percentage of wages paid on jobs created.

“We support this multigenerational company’s efforts to create jobs and grow its customer base,” ESD CEO Howard Zemsky said last week. 

La Flor executive vice president Justin Latorre said the company is “committed to championing ethnic traditions and healthier eating through our products.”

La Flor’s product line includes Almond extract, BBQ seasoning, chili powder, fajita seasoning, oregano and thyme.

La Flor was founded by Ruben and Froilan Latorre to fill a void that they identified in the Hispanic market for spices and seasonings. Three generations of the family work at the company, which sells its products in the United States and overseas.

La Flor moved to Islip Town from Queens in 2004. Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter said last week that food product businesses such as La Flor are an important part of Long Island’s manufacturing economy.

By James T. Madore

james.madore@newsday.comJamesTMadore

James T. Madore writes about Long Island business news including the economy, development, and the relationship between government and business. He previously served as Albany bureau chief.