Our Company
Prima Foods International, Inc., a family owned business, began is 1985, as an import-export company dealing in fruit concentrates. As we became more and more involved with tropical fruits, we learned that most Americans were not exposed to these. At the request of our clients, we began working in developing products that would appeal to the public tastes. As time went by, we transitioned into developing beverage bases and concentrates for industry. This included a range of bar mixes for the cruise lines.
Clients began to approach us for various sauces and condiments. We expanded our capabilities in that area, out-sourced the bases and concentrate productions, and focused on sauces and related products. Our years of experience in product development, has aided us greatly in creating marketable products for our customers.
OUR AIM IS FOR YOU TO BE SUCCESSFUL WITH YOUR PRODUCT!
Our Clients
Minorcan Datil Pepper Products
Jeff’s Sauces
Flatwoods Farm Sauces
Forgotten Coast
Yulee
Mobley’s
Tillman’s,
Our Services
Technical Consultation
Product Development
Bottling
Packaging
Our Team
Hector Viale
Technical Director, Beverage Consultant
A food science specialist with an extensive knowledge in the juice and beverage industry, Hector, originally from Peru, earned his degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition from Oregon State University. He later earned an M. B. A. from Rollins College. He worked for a number of years in the Florida citrus industry serving as a U. S. D. A. plant inspector. He then worked for various citrus producers as Quality Control Director, Product Development Technician, and Production Supervisor. His past experience, as well as his extensive knowledge of tropical fruits and flavors, aid him in Central American markets. Hector aids Prima Foods in numerous technical aspects
Celeste Viale
General Manager, Technical Director
Celeste began working full time for Prima Foods in 1987, following several years as a customer service liaison in banking. Her initial responsibilities were for the import/export of juices and juice concentrates, as well as managing logistics nationally and internationally. To aid in her job, she learned technical specifications, production methods for the products, and pertinent regulations. As Prima became more focused on domestic products, knowing these factors were very important. Growing up on a farm and being exposed to various food preservation methods, especially home canning, provided a strong foundation for celeste to move into acidified food processing.
Celeste received her Better Process Control School certification from L.S.U. Agcenter of Food Science. She currently oversees new products and their development, final formulations, nutrition and ingredient information, and F.D.A. filing.
Wade Cox
Production and Maintenance Supervisor
Wade started assisting Prima Foods after an employee shortage, and has stayed working for them ever since.
He directs production ensuring that specified procedures are followed. He also maintains equipment and oversees plant personnel.
Sue Cox
Lab Technician, Quality Control, Development Samples
Sue began working for Prima Foods while in high school. First helping in the office, she soon began aiding in production and quality control. She now conducts the lab portion of product development. Learning to cook at a very young age and having a good and adventurous palate has been great asset. Sue works with clients to obtain the flavor, texture, and appearance of their specific item. She also ensures that a formula’s states ingredients is diligently followed. She maintains production records, oversees quality control and ingredient/packaging purchasing.
Sue received her Better Process Control School Certification from North Carolina State University.