Belize, Central America. Land of the ancient Mayas who, according to legend, built a city of gold. Also, a modern-day haven for tourists who crave astonishing natural beauty, warm locals, and lush vegetation.

And, now, a destination for those with another craving: hot pepper sauce.

When she started experimenting with flavors in her kitchen more than 40 years ago, Marie Sharp wasn’t setting out to influence the international hot-sauce scene.

She was just a middle-aged woman who was obsessed with making a high-quality habanero pepper sauce blend from her Melinda Estate fresh fruits and vegetables.

HABANERO PEPPER

Marie's sauce recipes were substantially hotter than common hot sauces.

Marie Sharp began crafting pepper sauces in the early 1980s, using habanero peppers sourced from her family's Melinda Estate farm in Stann Creek, Belize. As word spread about the delicious flavors of her sauces, the demand for her products steadily rose. Over time, she evolved into an iconic Belizean businesswoman.

Today, Marie Sharp's offerings are available in more than 20 countries, and they have garnered numerous awards for their exceptional quality and taste.

Marie Sharp is widely recognized as a trailblazer in the hot sauce industry and serves as a symbol of entrepreneurial success in Belize.

A woman-owned business, Marie Sharp’s farm currently employs more than 100 full -time staff, with 85% of her workforce being female. At age 82, Marie proudly relishes her status as “Queen of Habanero” — in Belize, and in kitchens around the world.