Inside the Process of a Canadian Spice Supplier

What Makes G.E. Barbours’ Spices Different? A Peek Inside Our Process

At G.E. Barbours, we believe that great food begins with great ingredients—and when it comes to flavour, nothing plays a more foundational role than spice. Whether you’re a home cook reaching for cinnamon for your apple pie or a commercial food manufacturer crafting the perfect seasoning blend, the quality of your spices matters.

We’ve spent over a century earning the trust of Canadians and global partners alike by upholding an unwavering commitment to purity, consistency, and transparency. Here’s how our process sets G.E. Barbours apart—and why that matters for both our B2B and B2C customers.

Sourcing That Prioritizes Quality and Sustainability

Behind every jar, pouch, or bulk order of Barbours spices is a meticulous sourcing strategy. We work directly with farmers and suppliers from around the world, building relationships that prioritize sustainable practices, ethical labor, and premium crop selection.

We don’t buy from just anyone. Each supplier must meet our stringent standards for:

  • Clean harvesting techniques

  • Proper drying and storage

  • Traceability and documentation

  • Adherence to pesticide and contaminant limits

For us, it’s not just about the spice—it’s about the story behind it. This is how we ensure every pinch you use delivers consistent flavor, aroma, and peace of mind.

In-House Testing for Purity and Safety

While some companies outsource their spice testing, we’ve built the capacity to do much of it in-house. Our quality control lab conducts rigorous microbiological, physical, and chemical testing to ensure that every batch meets regulatory and safety standards.

Each shipment undergoes:

  • Identity verification

  • Moisture content analysis

  • Pathogen testing (e.g., salmonella, E. coli)

  • Aflatoxin and heavy metal screening

If a shipment doesn’t meet our standards, it doesn’t make it to production. Period.

On-Site Cleaning, Milling, and Blending

Spices arrive in raw form, which means they require cleaning, grinding, and sometimes roasting or blending before they’re shelf-ready. At our state-of-the-art Moncton facility, we handle every step of this transformation.

Our capabilities include:

  • De-stoning and metal detection

  • Precision milling for custom grind sizes

  • Roasting to unlock deeper flavor profiles

  • Custom spice blending for commercial and retail clients

This vertically integrated approach gives us full control over the final product—from raw seed to finished spice.

Custom Solutions for Commercial Clients

  • For food manufacturers, processors, and chefs, G.E. Barbours offers custom spice solutions tailored to unique product formulations and scaling needs. We collaborate closely with partners across Canada and beyond to develop spice profiles that are:

    • Flavour-forward

    • Cost-effective

    • Label-compliant for clean-label or allergen-sensitive products

    Our team of food scientists and product developers is deeply involved in R&D, helping bring new food ideas to life through flavour innovation grounded in quality ingredients.

Canadian-Made, Canadian Trusted

Being based in Moncton, New Brunswick, gives us more than just a maritime identity—it anchors us in a legacy of Canadian craftsmanship and food safety. Our facility is:

  • SQF Certified

  • GMP Compliant

  • FDA and CFIA registered

These designations aren’t just badges—they’re a reflection of the trust we’ve built with major Canadian retailers, independent grocers, and global food brands.

For the Everyday Cook, Too

While much of our spice production serves commercial customers, you’ll also find Barbours spices in homes across the country. Available in familiar jars and pouches, our spices are:

  • Non-GMO

  • Additive-free

  • Consistently fresh

Whether you’re baking banana bread, making a curry, or seasoning grilled veggies, we’ve done the heavy lifting to make sure your spice cabinet delivers the same quality we promise to our largest partners.

Why Transparency Matters

Consumers and businesses alike are demanding more accountability in the food supply chain. G.E. Barbours is proud to lead by example.

We’re open about:

  • Where our spices come from

  • How they’re processed

  • What’s (and isn’t) in them

Because when you know what goes into your food, you can make better choices—for your family, your customers, and your community.

Final Thoughts

From sourcing and testing to grinding and blending, G.E. Barbours brings more than a century of expertise to every step of the spice journey. That’s why when it comes to flavour, trust, and food safety, our partners know: Barbours spices are simply better.