Drought conditions in Mexico last year caused a shortage of red jalapeño peppers used to do Sriracha.
When production resumed in the fall, restocking the shelves with the popular condimentfans breathed a sigh of relief and restocked their closets.
But the Southern California company that produces one of the most popular Sriracha sauces warns it is currently experiencing an “unprecedented supply shortage” and does not know when it will end.
Call it the hot sauce blues. Bottles of Sriracha from Huy Fong Foods have disappeared from store shelves and the company says it has no idea when they will be back. With limited supplies, some retailers are rationing the number of bottles shoppers can purchase.
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Restaurants are scrambling to find wholesalers who can replenish their low supplies. And Sriracha lovers are taking to social media, bewildered as to why they can’t find their favorite Sriracha sauce.
“Although some production resumed last fall, we continue to have a limited supply which continues to affect our production,” the company said in a statement. “At this time, we have no estimate of when supply will increase.”
Made from sun-ripened red peppers in Mexico and seasoned with vinegar, salt, sugar and garlic, Huy Fong Foods’ Sriracha comes in a plastic bottle with a rooster on the front and a green cap and spices up Vietnamese pho and countless other dishes. .
Huy Fong Foods says it is working to avoid future shortages.
“We appreciate your patience and understanding,” the company said in a statement.