Why is there a Sriracha shortage?
CONSUMERS were warned about a major Sriracha shortage in 2022 and have been advised to find an alternative.
As of June 2023, the company is still experiencing a shortage, and resale prices have soared throughout marketplaces.
Why is there a Sriracha shortage?
The sauce manufacturer, Huy Fong Foods, sent a letter to customers dating back to July 2020 indicating they were encountering a chili pepper shortage and that it would be affecting their distribution.
The company sent a in April 2022 that said, "As you may recall, on July 24, 2020, we sent out an email to all customers that we have been experiencing a shortage of chili pepper inventory."
The company explained, "Currently, due to weather conditions affecting the quality of chili peppers, we now face a more severe shortage of chili."
Without the chili ingredient, the company said they are not able to produce their Chili Garlic, Sambal Oelek, and Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce.
Huy Fong Foods is one of the world's largest producers of Asian hot sauce, but the shortage of their chili crop has led to a mass shortage of the coveted Sriracha sauce.
The company said in a statement, “We are still endeavoring to resolve this issue that has been caused by several spiraling events, including unexpected crop failure from the spring chili harvest.”
How long will the shortage last?
The company informed customers that orders that were made for their Chili Garlic, Sambal Oelek, and Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce would not be fulfilled until after Labor Day 2022.
The shortage began in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, but crop failure has made it increasingly difficult to keep up with the demand.
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Huy Hong Foods told suppliers not to promise the product to any customers unless they already have it in stock and are hoping the pause in order fulfillment will allow the company the time it needs to build a surplus of stock.
Huy Hong Foods resumed production in the fall, however, it hasn't been enough.
A Huy Fong spokesperson said: "Although some production did resume this past fall season, we continue to have a limited supply that continues to affect our production. At this time, we have no estimations of when supply will increase.
"We are grateful for your continued patience and understanding during this unprecedented inventory shortage. We are currently working on trying to avoid future shortages," the company added.
Will Sriracha sell out?
Sriracha lovers have taken to social media in an exclamation of what they're saying is the "worst food news all year."
Photos of shopping carts filled with Sriracha sauce have appeared on Twitter with customers saying they're buying the sauce before supplies disappear from store shelves.
Due to the shortage, retailers like eBay and Amazon are reselling the sauce at steep prices.
Bottles for the red sauce are ranging from $39.98 to $70 on eBay whereas Amazon is selling the condiment for a whopping $124.
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At grocery stores, a 17-ounce bottle of Sriracha is sold for around $5.
The Sriracha shortage is the latest in a number of items including avocados, Rice Krispies, and popcorn.