Due to an ongoing chili shortage faced by Huy Fong Foods, the price of Sriracha bottles has soared to over $60 on Amazon, causing frustration among consumers. The shortage, which has persisted for three years, is a result of adverse weather conditions, including rising temperatures and droughts in California, New Mexico, and Mexico, where the company sources its chili peppers. This scarcity has severely impacted the production of Sriracha sauce, forcing supermarkets in California to impose limits on the number of bottles customers can purchase.
The situation has become even more dire online, with resellers taking advantage of the shortage to inflate prices. On eBay, a single 28-ounce bottle of Sriracha is being sold for $48.99, while a package of two bottles is listed at $105. However, it is on Amazon where prices have reached staggering levels, with a seller offering two 28-ounce bottles for a whopping $124, equivalent to $62 per bottle. This significant price increase has caught the attention of consumers and sparked outrage.
Huy Fong Foods has acknowledged the scarcity and released a statement expressing their limited production capacity due to the lack of raw materials. While some production resumed during the fall season, the company anticipates a continuing shortage, without providing any estimated timeline for improved supply. The situation has become so severe that at least one restaurant has reported missing Sriracha bottles from its tables, highlighting the extent of the shortage’s impact.
Despite the challenges, Huy Fong Foods remains grateful for the support of its patrons and emphasizes their commitment to avoiding future shortages. The company acknowledges the patience and understanding of customers during this unprecedented inventory shortage. Efforts are underway to address the issue, but it remains uncertain when the supply will stabilize and prices will return to normal. In the meantime, Sriracha enthusiasts will have to navigate the inflated prices and limited availability of their beloved spicy sauce.
