Sriracha Maker Warns Stores Of Pepper Shortage: 'Out Of Our Control'

IRWINDALE, CA — Sriracha lovers, be warned: The company that sells bottles of chili garlic, sambal oelek and sriracha hot chili sauce nationwide is warning of a looming shortage.

Huy Fong Foods, based about 20 miles east of Los Angeles in Irwindale, warned retailers in an April 19 letter that poor weather conditions were adversely affecting the quality of chili peppers. The company said it faces a "severe" shortage of chili.

"Unfortunately, this is out of our control and without this essential ingredient we are unable to produce any of our products (Chili Garlic, Sambal Oelek, and Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce)," the company said.

The company previously warned retailers in a July 2020 email that it was experiencing a shortage of chili pepper inventory. At the time, it suggested stores refuse to promise customers it would have any such products unless it already had them in stock.

Now, Huy Fong Foods is telling retailers that all orders submitted on or after April 19 will be scheduled after Labor Day, and they would be delivered in the order they were received.

"We understand that this may cause issues. However, during this time we will not accept any new orders to be placed before September as we will not have enough inventory to fulfill your order," the company warned.

The company sources its chili peppers from Mexico, NBC News reported, which is experiencing a drought.

The shortage has already affected a Richmond, Kentucky, restaurant.

Brady's Sushi and Hibachi told customers the hot sauce faced "unprecedented manufacturing and supply chain issues."

"As a result, we may no longer provide Sriracha as a free condiment at our establishment till further notice," the restaurant said. "Since it also plays a key role in our house-made Spicy Mayo, we will start to limit 1 free Spicy Mayo per 2 rolls until we secure our resources."