Area Development
La Flor Spices, a Long Island-based spice manufacturer and distributor, will expand its facility in Hauppauge, Suffolk County, New York.

According to Empire State Development, La Flor Spices will invest $1 million in new machinery and engineering and renovate its Hauppauge facility. The company will expand its custom blending and co-packaging operations, allowing them to supply new food service clients with spices, and create a new line of liquid products.

As part of this project, the company will add 15 new jobs to complement its current workforce of 47 employees. ESD has agreed to provide up to $200,000 in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits to support the project. The expansion and renovation project is expected to be completed over the next four years.

La Flor Spices Executive Vice President Justin Latorre said, “As a third-generation family business ‘born and raised in New York’, La Flor Spices blends the purpose of being a spice solution to our customers with the forward vision to sustain growth in our local community. We are committed to championing ethnic traditions and healthier eating through our products while developing a strategic growth plan for job creation and innovative market expansion. We are excited to partner with the mission of the ESD through the Excelsior Jobs Program tax credit.”

La Flor Spices was founded by Ruben and Froilán Latorre, and three generations of the family are still employed in the business today. The company originally packed its products manually and delivered them directly to local retailers. Today, it has grown to occupy a 90,000 square foot fully-automated packaging facility, with products distributed throughout the United States and reaching four continents.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “La Flor Spices’ renovation and expansion is a testament to the success that minority and women-owned firms can find in New York State, and we support this multi-generational company's efforts to create jobs and grow its customer base.”

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said, “The decision by La Flor Spices to expand its facility in Suffolk County is another testament to our pro-business climate and top notch talent. Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, more and more companies are choosing Long Island to grow their manufacturing and distribution operations.”

Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter said, “Islip’s relationship with La Flor Spices dates back to 2004. La Flor Spices is an integral part of a larger food cluster located on Long Island, with a concentration in the Town of Islip.”