Elephant Pepper Pty. Ltd. is a Zambia-based company that produces and processes chilies as a high value export and development crop for Africa. Since 2004, Elephant Pepper has been the exclusive chili supplier in Africa to the Tabasco brand and has generated a stable global export market for commercial and small-scale chili growers in Africa. Currently, the company is also building its own line of gourmet chili sauces under the brand name “Elephant Pepper”. Elephant Pepper promotes sustainable economic development in the region by paying an ethical price for its chilies and reinvesting a percentage of its profits into nearby farming communities through the work of its affiliate nonprofit, the Elephant Pepper Development Trust. Elephant Pepper sees a tremendous opportunity to build a strong business which not only leverages the competitive advantages of working in Africa, but also benefits rural farmers and elephant conservation.
Elephant Pepper currently distributes its chilies through two distinct channels. The first is through its exclusive contract with Tabasco; the second is through development of its own line of gourmet chili sauces. The potential of the Elephant Pepper brand matched with the stability of an exclusive contract with the world's leading brand of hot sauce provide an attractive business opportunity. As the company grows, Elephant Pepper will also work to establish supplier contracts with other leading chili product companies.
Elephant Pepper’s future looks bright. Its sauce was well-received at the Fancy Food Show in the US in 2006, and already has a small, but dedicated customer base in the US. In addition, Elephant Pepper has received a flood of interest from television and print media, including internationally respected organizations such as the BBC, National Geographic, and the Wall Street Journal, wanting to capture Elephant Pepper’s innovative development and conservation story. This media interest will support Elephant Pepper’s launch in the United States and beyond. On the supplier side of the business, Elephant Pepper’s chili mash was voted best quality out of Tabasco suppliers two years in a row.