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Sun, 31 May 2026

Sun, 31 May 2026 Caribbean hot sauce producers warn of shortages and higher prices

Manufacturers in Jamaica say the key chilli peppers they need are in limited supply.
The shortage has been exacerbated by hurricanes and typhoons, including Hurricane Melissa, which was the strongest to hit Jamaica in history, and previous storms like Hurricane Beryl and Hurricane Gonzalo. The destruction caused by these storms has resulted in a significant reduction in pepper production. To mitigate this issue, some manufacturers are experimenting with alternative peppers, such as Moruga scorpion peppers from Trinidad, but many producers are still struggling to obtain the necessary Scotch bonnet peppers. The Jamaican government is working to support farmers and help them recover from the losses caused by the storms. This includes supplying seeds for 650 growers and funding research to develop a more resilient strain of Scotch bonnets. In addition to the challenges posed by the shortage, some manufacturers are also facing difficulties in sourcing high-quality peppers due to changing climate conditions and pests that affect the plants. As a result of these challenges, hot sauce prices have increased significantly, causing concern for producers who rely on this market for their livelihood. The shortage has also had an impact on neighboring Caribbean islands, where manufacturers are feeling the effects of the reduced availability of Scotch bonnets.