Caribbean hot sauce producers warn of shortages and higher prices

Source: BBC

Caribbean hot sauce producers warn of shortages and higher prices

31 May 2026

Gemma Handy
Business reporter, St John’s, Antigua

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And as international palates continue to heat up to the potent taste, a growing number of brands are exported to North America, Europe and Australia, appearing on the shelves of major supermarket chains, from the US's Walmart, to the UK's Tesco, and Woolworths in Australia.

But a shortage of the particular chilli pepper used to create the quintessential Caribbean condiment is threatening to stifle supply, while sending costs for the region's producers soaring.

A confluence of extreme weather, disease and pests is making core ingredient Scotch bonnet peppers particularly hard to source, manufacturers tell the BBC.

The temperamental little, yellow fruit with its susceptibility to heavy rain and viruses can be tough to grow, while devastating hurricanes in Jamaica, a prime producer of Scotch bonnets, delivered a further blow.

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Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq8p1jy3vxlo