Mexican drought led to current Sriracha shortage

A drought in Mexico last year cut the number of red jalapeño peppers harvested. The peppers are a crucial ingredient in Sriracha, which has seen its inventory levels cut. “Although some production did resume this past fall season, we continue to have a limited supply that continues to affect our production,” Huy Fong Foods, which makes the condiment, said in a statement. “At this time, we have no estimations of when supply will increase.”

But why is there a sriracha shortage?

Scarcity of a crucial ingredient: Red Jalapeños

Last year’s drought in Mexico dealt a blow to Sriracha sauce lovers around the world. The scarcity of red jalapeño peppers, a crucial ingredient in making Sriracha, led to empty shelves and disappointed fans. However, even after production resumed, a Southern California company, Huy Fong Foods, is now facing an unexpected inventory shortage, leaving customers uncertain when they can once again enjoy their favorite spicy condiment.

The hot sauce blues have descended upon retailers as bottles of Huy Fong Foods’ Sriracha disappear from store shelves. The company has expressed uncertainty about when supplies will be replenished. With limited stock available, some retailers are implementing purchase restrictions to ensure fair distribution among customers.

Restaurants scramble to keep customers satisfied

Restaurants, in particular, are feeling the heat as they scramble to find alternative wholesalers to replenish their dwindling Sriracha reserves. Meanwhile, Sriracha enthusiasts are taking to social media to express their confusion and frustration over the unavailability of their beloved hot sauce.

Huy Fong Foods, renowned for its Sriracha sauce made from sun-ripened red peppers, seasoned with vinegar, salt, sugar, and garlic, acknowledges the situation and the challenges they face. They have cited ongoing limited supply as the main factor affecting production, leaving them unable to provide an estimation of when the situation will improve.

Huy Fong Foods works to prevent future shortages

Despite the setback, Huy Fong Foods reassures customers that they are actively working to prevent future shortages. The company expresses gratitude for the continued patience and understanding of Sriracha lovers eagerly awaiting the return of their favorite spicy condiment.

When will the sriracha shortage end?

We don’t know. As consumers eagerly await the return of Sriracha to store shelves, they may need to explore alternative options or patiently savor their remaining supplies until Huy Fong Foods can overcome this unprecedented inventory shortage.