Jamaican Scotch bonnet shortage pushes up pepper and hot sauce prices

Jamaican Scotch bonnet peppers are in short supply after weather damage, pests and disease reduced harvests, according to farmers and distributors speaking to CBC News. The shortage is affecting local markets in Jamaica and supply chains in Canada, where importers say the peppers are harder and more expensive to source. In Toronto, some shops have seen prices roughly double, while restaurants and hot sauce makers are adjusting recipes or buying from other countries such as Trinidad and the Dominican Republic. Farmers in Jamaica say the crop is difficult to grow because it is sensitive to heat, rain, pests and hurricanes. While experts say shoppers are still likely to find hot sauce on shelves, they note that some specific brands and pepperbased products may become more expensive or less available.