Yesterday afternoon, Baumer Food, Inc.’s President Pepper Baumer joined Port of South Louisiana’s Executive Director/CEO Paul Matthews to renew their lease agreement at a ceremonial signing held at the Port’s Guesthouse in Reserve, Louisiana. They were joined by community leaders, business and Baumer Foods representatives, Port commissioners and staff.

Pictured L-R: St. John the Baptist Parish President Jaclyn Hotard, Port of South Louisiana (PSL) Commission Chairman D. Paul Robichaux, PSL Executive Director/CEO Paul Matthews, PSL Commission Vice Chairwoman Judy Songy, Baumer Foods, Inc. President Pepper Baumer, Alvin Baumer, Jr., and PSL Commission Vice President Katie Klibert
Pictured L-R: St. John the Baptist Parish President Jaclyn Hotard, Port of South Louisiana (PSL) Commission Chairman D. Paul Robichaux, PSL Executive Director/CEO Paul Matthews, PSL Commission Vice Chairwoman Judy Songy, Baumer Foods, Inc. President Pepper Baumer, Alvin Baumer, Jr., and PSL Commission Vice President Katie Klibert

The agreement renewal between Baumer Foods and the Port of South Louisiana reflects a seven-year lease for the 190,000 square foot facility, with an option to renew for an additional seven years. “We look forward to our continued partnership with the Port of South Louisiana and the region,” said Baumer during the ceremony.

Baumer Foods, Inc. is an internationally known food producer that distributes to 75 nations worldwide and produces a variety of sauces and condiments including Worcestershire, hot, steak, wing, teriyaki, and soy marinades and mustards under the brand name Crystal. A third-generation, family-owned-and-operated business, Crystal Hot Sauce was started in 1923 in New Orleans. Later renamed Baumer Foods, Inc., the company grew quickly and moved to a larger plant on Tulane Avenue in Mid-City from one on Tchoupitoulas Street.

In 2006, Baumer Foods, Inc. established a long-term leasing agreement with the Port of South Louisiana to relocate its manufacturing/distribution operations to Globalplex Intermodal Terminal in Reserve, Louisiana after their 99-year-old production facility in New Orleans was ravaged by  <image006.png>Hurricane Katrina the previous year. The Port purposefully purchased the building in the latter part of 2005 specifically to accommodate Baumer. Their presence at Globalplex opened the door for other food producers, suppliers, bottlers, and trucking companies to locate in the region.

“We are delighted to remain the home of Crystal Hot Sauce,” said Matthews. “Baumer Foods is a pillar in our community and a great partner in our Port district. Having their operation in the River Region has added spice to the lineup of industrial partners in our port.”