Disease and insects hit our crops just like everyone else s, and we have very strict regulation of insecticides and defoliants. We have also had problems with political unrest that has threatened our farming operations, although we have no current political problems. It is difficult to raise tabasco peppers, which are quite susceptible to disease. They have even had problems on Avery Island, where tabasco peppers are raised for seed. For example, a recent varietal development, MC-003, is resistant to disease, but is not as hot and has poor color.
Work is ongoing to develop improved varieties.
Although the Panama Canal has stopped the spread of some disease, it is only a matter of time until that barrier is breached. Our marketing strategy is to encourage customers to get the Tabasco Sauce out of the cupboard and use it on a greater variety of foods. Our challenge is to maintain a steady supply of the ingredients. And you think you have problems. Think about growing chile during a civil war.