Kalahari Pepper Company’s involvement in the fiery foods industry began in the early 1990’s when we were first introduced to a tiny red and flavourful; hot chili pepper known as the African Peri Peri Pepper.

In many areas of Africa the Peri Peri’s or “Pili Pili” as the 15th century Portuguese spice traders named them, can be found growing across the wilds of Africa near Mozambique and Botswana. To this day the indigenous people commonly use Peri Peri’s in traditional African recipes and remedies.

In July 1996, while sitting on our front porch, we began to discuss the seemingly endless possibilities of the rare Peri Peri Pepper. Armed with only an idea and a sack full of highly coveted Peri Peri Pepper seeds, we embarked on a Safari of our own, out into the uncharted wilderness of The Gourmet Foods Industry. Within a year, our classic African Rhino Peri Peri Sauce had won several prestigious awards and has since been featured in industry publications, won Best Tasting Hot sauce on The Food Network Channel, and enjoyed world wide distribution.