Welcome to Get the Scoop with Smirk’s! We’re glad you’re here.

Today’s episode covers some fun history about Smirk’s. You’ll hear everything from one of their first products (chocolate covered sunflower seeds!) how they moved from putting retail products into mini marts to the bulk ingredient company they are today.

As you might expect there’s lots of talk about food, and not just the bulk ingredients! Nick shares why food and the joy around food is so important to the team.

They explain from humble beginnings (working from a server closet – really!) how friends have worked together and consider their customers and their vendors as friends as well. They are invested in their success and it’s a big part of their focus every day.

What Makes Smirks Unique?

One of the things that makes Smirk’s unique comes from their manufacturing background. They have invested in their quality department to make sure that the quality is consistent.

Food safety issues are important to everyone from the supplier, the distributor and the manufacturers who buy their products. Hear how Smirk’s uses a documented process to evaluate every new product and new supplier before adding it to their offers. The story and history of each product is key.

Donnie also shares how they source back up suppliers. This ended up being a big help when COVID restrictions hit, and shipping prices were impacted. 

Product Review: Sunflower Seeds and Kernels

Donny and Nick explain everything you want to know about sunflowers in the food industry. You’ll hear about how they are grown and harvested, as well as how they are used after they’ve been processed.

They also explain how oil pricing impacts the price for kernels. Did you know Ukraine was the largest grower of oil sunflowers in the world? Hear how the conflict has affected the supply and how Smirk’s handled things so they could make sure their clients had what they needed.

Hear what one of the biggest markets for sunflower kernels is. It’s not going to be what you expect. They cover this and lots of other ways that sunflower kernels are used in a variety of products. 

Smirk’s Market Report – Sunflower Seeds [42:12]

Prices for sunflower seeds peaked in March of 2022 and have been dropping since then. Demand is down for a few reasons. Suppliers purchased excess inventory due to the concern of the crop in Ukraine and the instability of the supply chain during COVID.

We see pricing in the US down about 20% from last year, with fewer acres going in. Wet weather has been a factor so that may still change in the next few weeks.

Summary: It’s a buyers’ market especially if you can plan ahead. 

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You can also email us at whatsnew@smirks.com