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Jamaican hot sauce producers face shortages and rising prices

Jun 1, 2026, 1:19 AM10
(Update: Jun 1, 2026, 1:19 AM)
country in the Caribbean Sea

Jamaican hot sauce producers face shortages and rising prices

  • Hurricane Melissa and Hurricane Beryl have severely affected Jamaica's agricultural sector.
  • Manufacturers like Associated Manufacturers are struggling with limited supplies of Scotch bonnet peppers.
  • The situation has led to order cancellations and concerns about future pricing and availability.
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In Jamaica, the agricultural sector has faced significant challenges due to severe weather events, particularly hurricanes. Last October, Hurricane Melissa, the strongest in Jamaica's history, struck the island, compounding the difficulties already caused by Hurricane Beryl the previous year. These natural disasters have severely impacted the cultivation of Scotch bonnet peppers, a key ingredient in the production of popular hot sauces. Sean Garbutt from Associated Manufacturers, which produces Walkerswood sauces, reported that they had to cancel orders due to the limited supply of these peppers. The company relies heavily on the timely harvesting and processing of Scotch bonnets to maintain the quality and flavor of their products. The Jamaican government has been working to support farmers in recovering from these setbacks, recognizing the importance of Scotch bonnets as a flagship agricultural product. As the peak season for both Scotch bonnets and storms approaches, hot sauce manufacturers are closely monitoring weather conditions and their profit margins, anticipating further challenges ahead. The cultural significance of Scotch bonnets in Jamaican cuisine cannot be overstated, as they are a staple ingredient that many Jamaicans consider essential in their cooking. The ongoing struggles faced by farmers and manufacturers highlight the vulnerability of the agricultural sector to climate-related events, raising concerns about future supply and pricing of these beloved hot sauces.

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