Founded in 1973 by Phillip J. Sass, Wisconsin Spice, Inc. has grown from humble beginnings, and today is regarded as a global power in the mustard industry. Sass started Wisconsin Spice, Inc., amidst a global mustard shortage, in an abandoned, 19th century feed mill. From humble beginnings, Sass constructed a 130,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility which produces dry-milled mustards and prepared mustards, serving multiple distribution channels – Industrial Ingredients, Foodservice, and Retail.
As a former Quality Manager, Sass saw an opportunity to mill mustard seed into ground mustard for the sausage industry. In early years of the company’s existence Wisconsin Spice specialized in milling ground mustard and mustard flour. In 1975, Sass added the capability to mill prepared mustard, competing with world renowned brands.
In 1985, Sass moved the company from its antiquated building to its existing, state-of-the-art facility. Since then, continuous investment in capacity and capabilities have been made, making Wisconsin Spice, Inc. one of few manufacturers who possess the capability to mill both dry and prepared mustard solutions under the same roof.
In 2018, under second-generation leadership, Wisconsin Spice expanded operations to a multi-site organization with its opening of the Phillip J. Sass Technical Center, a facility dedicated to research and development, and corporate activities.
Today, Wisconsin Spice, Inc. is known as the largest miller of mustard seed in processing over 40,000,000 lbs. of mustard seed annually, and supplying mustard to over 30 countries worldwide. Wisconsin Spice, Inc. continues to invest in growth and works tirelessly in adding value to customers’ businesses.
Wisconsin Spice currently exports to more than 30 countries
Wisconsin Spice opened a second facility - the Phillip J. Sass Technical Center.
Allen Sass and Caroline Sass-Blustin assumed second-generation leadership roles.
Wisconsin Spice completed its 10th facility expansion which was dedicated to retail and foodservice packaging.
Wisconsin Spice survived another global mustard shortage, outlasting its competitors and setting the stage for future generations.
Wisconsin Spice forged a partnership with a UK food distributor. This was the first of many global business partnerships
Throughout the 90’s, Wisconsin Spice established itself as the leading supplier of industrial dry-milled and prepared mustard ingredients to the food industry.
Real estate included with the move to Berlin’s South Industrial Park allowed Sass to execute aggressive growth plans. From 1985 to 2013, Wisconsin Spice expanded its facilities 10 times.
Sass moved Wisconsin Spice from its downtown location to Berlin’s South Industrial Park.
Prepared mustard milling was added to the company’s capabilities. Wisconsin Spice is one of only two mustard manufacturers to produce both dry-milled and prepared mustard.
Phillip Sass founded Wisconsin Spice, Inc. in 1973, amidst a global mustard shortage.