CLIFCO was founded in 1988 by Gene and Delores Clifton to supply spices
and seasoning needs to meat packing plants.
Gene had been in the meat business for nearly forty years.
Beginning in a sausage kitchen and moving on to managing a
full line plant, he had experience in all phases of sausage
making. Deciding he was ready for a change and using his
vast knowledge and experience from his many years of making
sausage, he went to work for a company selling spices to the
meat industry. When the industry started to change and many
companies began setting large order quantities and minimum
orders that were much too high for small and medium sized
companies, we founded Clifco Spice Sales, Inc. to serve the needs of small and medium size plants. Our son,
Kevin, came into the business with us. He managed the blending
operation, Delores managed the office and Gene was the salesman.
We lost Gene in 1992. Delores and Kevin decided the company must
go on. We had a loyal customer base who depended on us for
their seasoning needs. In August 1998, we added to our customer
base by buying a small retail company selling to grocery stores
and supermarkets. We began receiving so many requests for our
products from all over the country from individuals who had
bought it in Texas, but had to move to other states. All Texans understand how we crave that good Texas BBQ! We began selling to a few
individuals and word traveled fast. We decided we needed to
make it easier for individuals to purchase our product. For all
those who like to make their own sausage, we have marvelous
tasting formulas...many of which are also great for deer
sausage.
Today we still adhere to the original idea on which the company
was founded. We are still a family owned and operated business.
Delores and Kevin are directly involved in the day to day
operations. Delores' long time friend Pat has been in the
company for several years and she will usually be the voice on
the phone when you call. Kevin also has a long time friend
working in the blending operation. James was hired in 1992 and
has helped the business grow to what it is today. Kevin's son,
Kevin Charles (K.C.), worked summers in the plant for extra
money while he was in school and has joined the
business full time. Kevin's daughter, Laura, worked part time through school. Laura is now taking college classes and works when she can.
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