The life-blood of our industry. In the short two years we have been in business, it is astounding to see the number of new products being introduced on the market. Over one hundred people responded and the results are here to help all of us. The industry is moving towards an upscale market. A resounding 100 percent of the survey respondents listed flavor and ingredients as their top criteria for purchasing hot sauces.
Taste is the number one issue.
In fact, as manufacturers increase their flavor profiles, they are expanding their audience. In this industry that has been traditionally composed of men, a surprising 40 percent of the respondents were women, who seem to prefer sauces that enhance cooking. For example, a fragrant fruit sauce with habaneros might be perfect for grilled fish or other seafood, while a thicker, richer sauce might be used for a marinade. In fact, a large number of the respondents, such as Lorraine Heidecker, preferred fruit-based sauces. Chunky vegetables and identifiable peppers were also big plus.