Caribbean hot sauce producers warn of shortages and higher prices
Caribbean hot sauce producers in Jamaica say the Scotch bonnet peppers central to their recipes are in limited supply. Climate conditions and harvest disruptions are expected to raise producer prices and trim export volumes in the months ahead.
BBC Latin AmericaAccording to the BBC, Jamaican producers reported that both main harvests this year fell roughly 28 percent below last year's totals. Executives at established brands such as Walkerswood and Grace Foods said weekly shipments to the European Union and the United States could be temporarily trimmed by 35 to 40 percent.
Jamaican Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Permanent Secretary Dermon Spence said the lingering effects of Hurricane Beryl on production areas in St Mary and St Catherine continue. UN Food and Agriculture Organization Caribbean Representative Crispim Moreira noted in a regional pepper report that Trinidad and the Bahamas have also seen harvest declines. Agricultural consultant Norman Grant said he sees no near-term recovery for the 2026 crop.
Grace Foods Marketing Director Andrea Coy said producer prices could be raised by 18 to 22 percent on an annual basis. CARICOM Agriculture Regional Director Saboto Caesar said farmer-support packages will take effect in August. European importers are reportedly seeking alternative supply from the Yucatan and Costa Rica. Not investment advice.
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